PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go once again sent his team to conduct a series of relief activities for vulnerable residents in Davao City from January 25 to 26.

His staff distributed snacks and masks to 562 residents and gave select individuals new pairs of shoes, bicycles and computer tablets.

In strict compliance with the mandated health and safety protocols, the distributions were conducted in batches at Doña Asuncion Elementary School in Barangay Pampanga and NHA Buhangin Gym in Brgy. Buhangin.

In his video message, Go expressed his gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for extending separate livelihood support to his fellow Davaoeños. He noted that the assistance would enable the residents to start their own business ventures that could then help provide for their family’s needs amid the pandemic.

“Salamat po sa DSWD sa mga programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang programang ito, mabibigyan ang mga nangangailangan ng puhunan, tuturuang magnegosyo, at tutulungang palaguin ito,” Go remarked.

“Mas masarap nga naman ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang pagnenegosyo sa tamang paraan. Dalhin ninyo ang kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin ngayon,” he added.

In line with his commitment to provide more Filipinos better access to quality healthcare services, Go reminded the public to take care of their health amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He also encouraged Davao residents to visit Southern Philippines Medical Center where there is a Malasakit Center ready to assist them with their medical expenses.

The senator primarily authored and sponsored the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all hospitals managed and administered by the Department of Health and in the Philippine General Hospital.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na, isinulong ko po noon, pinirmahan ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte. Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno at tutulungan po kayo, ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, at DSWD. Zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Center,” said Go.

Likewise, hospitals run by local government units and other public hospitals may establish Malasakit Centers provided that they meet the set standards and guarantee the sustainability of the centers, including their maintenance, personnel, and staff training, among others.

Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also appealed to the eligible residents to get inoculated as soon as possible to boost their defenses against COVID-19.

“Magpabakuna na ho kayo, mga kababayan ko, ‘pag nasa priority list na po kayo, libre naman po ito. Kung mahal niyo po ang inyong mga anak, ang inyong mga pamilya, magpabakuna na ho kayo,” Go urged.

“Napatunayan naman po, ‘pag bakunado kayo, mas protektado po kayo at mas maiwasan po ‘yung pagkagrabe o pagkamatay dulot ng COVID-19 ‘pag bakunado po kayo,” he added.

To boost the economic recovery of Davao City, Go as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance also supported various projects, including the construction of water systems in Barangays Acacia, Fatima, Mabuhay and San Isidro; and construction or widening of drainage canals in Barangays Bunawan Proper and Mintal.

He was also instrumental in the rehabilitation of multipurpose buildings and local roads in various barangays throughout the city; construction or rehabilitation of drainage systems in Tupaz Outfall and Barangays Centro, Mudiang and Ubalde; construction of flood control structures in Barangay 9-A and Datu Loho Creek; and acquisition of ambulance units for Barangays Mintal, Buhangin and Gatungan.

Ending his message, Go thanked the local officials for making certain that their constituents are well-supported amid the challenges caused by the pandemic.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo po sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Alam ko pong nahihirapan po kayo, kami rin po ay nahihirapan. Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin upang malampasan pa natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap," Go said.

“Kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin na makapagserbisyo pa po sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” he added.

Earlier this month, Go’s outreach team gave similar assistance to struggling residents from Brgys. Bunawan, Governor Vicente Duterte, Panacan, Tibungco, Tigatto, and Wilfredo Aquino. (OSBG)