PASAY CITY -- Committed to help more communities adversely affected by the pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent assistance to various sectoral groups in Pagsanjan, Laguna on Wednesday, February 23.

Go’s staff organized the relief activity at the Laguna Sports Complex Gymnasium in the nearby town of Sta. Cruz where they grouped the 947 beneficiaries, composed of boatmen, farmers, and members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) and Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (JODA), into smaller batches and strictly adhered to the safety and health protocols against COVID-19.

The team distributed masks and meals and gave select individuals new pairs of shoes, bicycles and computer tablets.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided cash assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

In his video message, Go reminded the beneficiaries to continue strictly observing the necessary health measures against COVID-19 and urged those eligible to get vaccinated to better protect themselves from the virus.

“Hinihikayat ko po ang lahat na magpabakuna… Pwede na rin magpa-booster ang mga qualified. Nasa datos naman na kung sino ang positibo at grabe ‘yung sintomas ay kadalasan sila ‘yung mga hindi pa bakunado,” he appealed.

“Mag-ingat din po kayo palagi dahil hindi na natin kakayanin na magsasara na naman ang mga negosyo at tumaas ang bilang ng mga kaso. Mapupuno na naman ang mga ospital at baka bumagsak ang ating healthcare system. Iyan ang iniiwasan natin kaya pakiusap, ‘wag kayong makumpiyansa habang nagpapabakuna pa tayo,” he continued.

As he advocates for improved access to quality healthcare services, the senator then encouraged the beneficiaries with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Centers in the province located at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital.

The center is a one-stop shop that brings together government agencies with medical assistance programs for poor and indigent patients, such as the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go, who is also an adopted son of CALABARZON, then thanked the local officials of Pagsanjan for their continued support and service to their constituents. The senator vowed to remain dedicated to providing much-needed support for the recovery of vulnerable sectors amid the global health crisis.

“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.

To spur economic growth in the province, Go, who serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Cavinti, Liliw, Lumban, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Pila, Sta. Cruz and Sta. Maria; construction of slaughterhouses in Mabitac, Nagcarlan and Pagsanjan; and construction of public markets in Liliw, Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan and Rizal.

He also supported the construction of a farm-to-market road and a multipurpose covered court in Paete; construction of a drainage canal in Cabuyao City; repair of the primary road inside Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa City; and installation of street lights in Lumban and Magdalena.

On February 16, similar relief activity was mounted by Go’s team for 1,000 boatmen in Pagsanjan. (OSBG)