PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance to hundreds of struggling residents in Ermita and Paco, Manila on Tuesday, March 1.

In his video message, the senator also encouraged the public anew to continue supporting the government’s vaccination efforts.

“Wala itong pilitan pero kung eligible kayo, magpaturok na kayo upang maiwasan pa ang pagkalat ng COVID-19. Sa mga fully vaccinated na, maaari na rin po kayong magpa-booster,” stressed Go.

The senator’s team conducted the activities at the 1281 Onyx Building Function Hall in Paco and Everwin Hotel Roofdeck Function Hall in Ermita, where they handed out meals and masks to 332 residents as well as new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets to select individuals.

In addition, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development separately extended financial support through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then advised the beneficiaries in need of medical attention to avail of the services of any of the Malasakit Centers in the Metro Manila.

The Malasakit Centers program reduces a patient’s hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering various medical services and expenses. To date, there are 151 centers that have benefited over three million Filipinos nationwide. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

Go once again appealed to the public to keep observing the health protocols against COVID-19 as the government continues to intensify its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of every Filipino amid the pandemic.

“Maraming apektado ngayong pandemya. Marami ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay at nagsarang negosyo kaya nagdala kami ng kaunting tulong,” Go began.

“Pakiusap, patuloy lang tayo magtulungan at maging disiplinado. Sumunod kayo sa mga pinapatupad na patakaran sa inyong lugar dahil sobrang delikado nitong COVID-19. Huwag niyong hayaan na tumaas muli ang kaso,” he added.

The senator went on to acknowledge the untiring service of the local authorities and urged them to continue extending the necessary support to their struggling constituents.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported several projects across Metro Manila, including the construction of multipurpose buildings and halls in the cities of Mandaluyong and Parañaque; acquisition of ambulance units in the cities of Manila, Navotas, Parañaque, Taguig and Valenzuela; acquisition of multipurpose vehicles in the cities of Manila and Muntinlupa; rehabilitation of facilities in Navotas Polytechnic College in Navotas City; and the construction of a seven-story Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence in Valenzuela City. (OSBG)