PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his appeal to increase government support for the country’s small farmers and rural poor as they bear the brunt of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a video message during a relief effort in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Thursday, December 9, Go highlighted the need to improve the access to financial support of agricultural workers as they play an indispensable role in ensuring the food security of the country amid the national health crisis.
“Lalo na sa panahon ngayon na apektado ng krisis ang ating ekonomiya, ‘back to basics’ tayo. Nakita natin kung gaano kahalaga ang agrikultura sa ating bansa at kabuhayan. Mabilis pong maibabalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya kung palalakasin natin ang sektor ng agrikultura sa mga probinsya,” said Go.
“Kaya suportahan po natin ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Tulungan natin silang malampasan ang paghihirap na dulot ng pandemya dahil ang sektor na ito ang bubuhay sa ating bansa pagkatapos ng krisis na ito,” he stressed.
The senator’s staff handed out snacks and masks to a total of 1,048 rice farmers at the municipal hall. Select beneficiaries were also given bicycles for their transportation needs and computer tablets for their children’s learning activities at home.
In a separate distribution, representatives from the Department of Agriculture extended support to the farmers under its Rice Farmers Financial Assistance program.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority distributed additional snacks and along with the Department of Trade and Industry conducted assessments for their respective assistance programs.
Recognizing the health risks farmers face, the senator reminded them to prioritize their well-being and to protect themselves from COVID-19 by strictly observing the government-mandated health and safety protocols. He also encouraged those eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible and reassured them that they can always reach out to his office should they need additional medical aid.
“Kung may nararamdaman kayong sakit sa puso o ano man, ‘wag niyo na patagalin pa. Kadalasan ayaw ng mga Pilipino magpa-check-up dahil baka malaki ang gastusin sa ospital. Alam ko kung gaano ka hirap maging mahirap pero hindi niyo na kailangang magmakaawa para makahingi ng tulong sa gobyerno,” said Go.
“Kaya kung may pasyente na hindi kayang operahan diyan ay tutulungan namin kayo makapunta sa Maynila. Kami na ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang sasalo sa pampaospital ninyo pati pamasahe hanggang makauwi kayo,” he added.
Go also advised the farmers to avail of the services of the Malasakit Center at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Prosperidad.
First launched in Cebu City in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs offered by the government, specifically the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The assistance covers medicines, surgeries and other patient services and expenses.
Ending his message, the lawmaker thanked Mayor Pauline Masendo, Vice Mayor Melchor Demegillo and Councilors Catherine Sauro, Elvin Maligsa, Jelyn Pugahan and Nila Madelo for supporting their local farmers especially in these challenging times.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported many infrastructure development initiatives in Agusan del Sur such as the construction of a municipal evacuation center at Barangay Del Monte in Talacogon.
Go likewise supported the construction or concreting of local roads in Bayugan City, Bunawan, Esperanza, La Paz, Prosperidad, San Luis and Veruela; construction of multipurpose buildings in Bayugan City, Prosperidad and San Luis; construction of evacuation centers in Loreto and Prosperidad; construction of riverbank protection structures for the Ihawan River in Loreto; improvement of the Adlayan Riverbank in San Francisco; installation of reinforced concrete pipe culvert with pavement widening in Trento; and purchase and installation of solar street lights in Esperanza.
Other major projects are the construction of a new public market and slaughterhouse in Bunawan; development of the Sibagat public park; acquisition of ambulances for the local governments of La Paz and San Luis; and acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of San Francisco and San Luis.
The senator’s team held a similar relief operation for 1,841 rice farmers in Prosperidad the previous day, December 8. All distributions were carried out in batches and in strict compliance with the government protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)
