PASAY CITY -- Two years after the initial COVID-19 outbreak, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to mount relief operations to aid communities affected by the pandemic. On February 25 and 26, it assisted 3,352 residents in Rodriguez, Rizal.

Go’s team distributed meals and masks at the Barangay San Isidro Multipurpose Hall, Brgy. San Jose Covered Court and Green Breeze Covered Court. They also gave select individuals shoes or bicycles for commuting and computer tablets for their children’s learning activities.

Moreover, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial support under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

In a video message, Go reminded residents of the continued need to curb the spread of COVID-19 despite the decreasing number of cases in the country. He emphasized that observing protocols, such as mask use and social distancing, are still necessary to protect themselves from the virus.

“Mga kababayan, kaunting tiis lang. Alam kong nahihirapan kayo. Kailangan pa din natin mag-ingat at hindi natin afford na mapuno ang mga ospital at baka bumagsak ang ating healthcare system. Kaya pakiusap namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, maging disiplinado at ‘wag tayo maging kumpiyansa,” appealed Go.

“Ugaliing magsuot ng mask, mag-social distancing at kung hindi kailangan lumabas ay manatili na lang tayo sa bahay upang maiwasan ang hawaan ng sakit. Magtulungan tayo para malampasan natin ang krisis na ‘to sa lalong madaling panahon,” he continued.

The senator then encouraged those needing medical care to reach out to his office so he can help them obtain the proper treatment. He also advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Casimiro A. Ynares, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez or any of the 149 centers established nationwide where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government.

“Sa mga pasyente dito, kung may bill kayo, pwede niyong ilapit ‘to sa Malasakit Center at tutulungan kayo nito makahingi ng tulong sa mga ahensya. Hindi niyo na kailangan bumiyahe para pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina. Wala itong pinipili. Basta poor at indigent patient ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center,” reassured Go.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can apply for medical assistance from the relevant agencies, namely, the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The program was institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go primarily authored and sponsored. There are three other centers operating in the province of Rizal, specifically at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, and Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan.

The senator proceeded to thank 2nd District Representative Juan Fidel Nograles, Governor Rebecca Ynares, Mayor Dennis Hernandez and other local officials for their steadfast support and commitment to helping their constituents.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported numerous infrastructure development initiatives to create new jobs and improve the delivery of public services in Rodriguez. These include the rehabilitation of the road, drainage system and slope protection structure in Barangays Macabud and San Isidro; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex; and rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Brgy. Balite.

He also supported other major initiatives in the province such as the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono, construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City, construction or improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras, purchase and installation of street lights in San Mateo, and construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

An adopted son of the CALABARZON region, the senator had also sent assistance to fire victims in Angono and Teresa on January 27. All distributions were held in batches and in strict compliance with the government-issued health and safety protocols. (OSBG)