PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on the government anew to ensure an inclusive, sustainable and resilient path to recovery from COVID-19. He underscored the need to continue many of the interventions that were critical in containing the pandemic and protecting every Filipino.

“It is hard to believe that it has almost been two years … As difficult as our lives may have been due to the pandemic, I am confident to say that your government has worked non-stop to remain on top of the situation and to do what it can with our limited resources to help every Filipino through the crisis,” noted Go.

“All these interventions significantly cushioned the adverse impacts of the pandemic on particularly poor and indigent Filipinos as well as provided the necessary protection to our medical frontliners,” he continued.

The senator once again called for intensified efforts that will encourage job creation and boost economic opportunities particularly for poor and vulnerable groups.

Go had early on appealed for the government to extend aid to workers who were at risk of displacement. Particularly, he had pushed for the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program 1 and 2, Small Business Wage Subsidy Program, COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program of the Department of Trade and Industry, and “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers” of the Department of Labor and Employment, which provided financial and livelihood assistance to millions of low-income Filipinos.

Just as importantly, he supported the passage of Bayanihan 1 and 2 which allowed the government to better address the challenges caused by the pandemic and maximize available resources to aid low-income households and the healthcare sector as well as inject needed support to the economy.

“At this point, I would like to approach the whole situation with greater optimism as we are slowly seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. With the necessary health protocols in place and vaccinations being done, we are realizing a ray of hope that we have all been looking for,” encouraged Go.

Go then highlighted ongoing efforts to address existing gaps in the healthcare system. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the senator was instrumental in spearheading the enhancements needed by healthcare facilities and additional benefits for healthcare workers.

“But with all these great strides, now is not the time to be complacent. Rather, let us take this as an opportunity to learn from the challenges of the past and work together towards pandemic recovery — with a more resilient nation and a better future for our people,” he added.

The senator also renewed his appeal to pertinent authorities to accelerate the administration of vaccine shots, including boosters, in regions with low vaccination rates, such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Go cautioned that Filipinos must continue to cooperate with authorities and learn how to live with the virus while managing the risks by abiding by the necessary health protocols until the crisis is fully overcome.

“My fellow Filipinos, we cannot afford to lose what we have gained over the past two years, especially now that our country will undergo a transition in government as well. Let us all be responsible for ourselves and our communities so that we can finally claim victory over this ordeal,” appealed Go.

With the campaign period leading to the national elections ongoing, Go appealed for greater vigilance and cooperation as he urged everyone to be responsible for the safety and health of those in their communities.

“After all, regardless of our political differences, we are all here to serve and the lives of our people remain our primordial concern. In the end, I am certain that our solidarity and bayanihan will prevail,” he added. (OSBG)