PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed to help economic frontliners and disadvantaged Filipinos nationwide amid the global health crisis. In particular, he highlighted how important for government to provide ample support to rural workers and the agricultural sector to achieve economic recovery.
On Thursday, December 9, his team continued its relief efforts in Sultan Kudarat by delivering assistance to small-scale rice farmers in Lebak and Kalamansig.
The senator, through his video message, commended the farmers for their indispensable contribution to the country’s food security and economic recovery. He then vowed to continue working with relevant agencies to further uplift the state of the country’s agricultural sector.
“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan po tayo, at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino, upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” said Go.
He reassured the farmers that the government remains focused on balancing the nation's economic and public health interests as it implements measures to overcome the pandemic. He also encouraged the eligible agricultural workers to participate in the national inoculation program, especially as they are part of the priority groups. He stressed that being vaccinated as soon as possible would not only protect them from the severe cases of COVID-19, but would also help the country attain population protection leading to herd immunity.
“Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” Go expressed.
Go’s team organized both relief operations at Lebak Public Terminal where they divided the 778 beneficiaries into smaller batches and strictly adhered to the mandated safety and health protocols against COVID-19.
They distributed masks and meals to the farmers and gave select recipients new pairs of shoes, bicycles and computer tablets.
Moreover, the Department of Agriculture provided livelihood assistance to the farmers while the Department of Trade and Industry and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed potential recipients of their respective livelihood and scholarship grants.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered additional assistance to the farmers with health concerns and encouraged them to visit Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan where there is a Malasakit Center available to help them with their medical expenses.
First established in Cebu in 2018, the center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It was institutionalized under the Malaskit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the concretion of roads in Esperanza, Bagumbayan, Isulan, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan and Tacurong City; construction of multipurpose buildings in Columbio and Isulan; and the acquisition of ambulance units in Senator Ninoy Aquino town to further boost the development in the province.
“Mga kababayan ko, ako po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go. Kasama si Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte ay handang magserbisyo po sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Nandirito lang po kami na magseserbisyo po sa inyo at handang-handang magserbisyo po sa inyo sa anumang oras,” Go ended.
The senator's outreach team earlier conducted a series of relief efforts for thousands of rice farmers in President Quirino and Esperanza from November 25 to 26. (OSBG)
