PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited the cities of Caloocan and Quezon to provide relief to struggling residents on Thursday, April 7, as part of the senator’s commitment to support more pandemic-affected communities nationwide.

In a video message, Go expressed optimism that the government’s pandemic efforts are showing positive outcomes but reminded everyone to remain cooperative and disciplined to further curb the spread of COVID-19.

“Alam po namin na marami ang nangangailangan ng kabuhayan at trabaho sa panahong ito. Ito ang rason kung bakit unti-unti na natin pinapayagang bumukas ang mga negosyo pero kailangan magawa ito sa ligtas na paraan upang hindi ito magdulot ng panibagong pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19,” remarked Go.

“Kaya pinapaalalahanan ko ang publiko na huwag maging kampante. Remain vigilant and cooperative by following the health and safety protocols. Ito ang mga pangunahing paraan upang maproteksyunan natin ang ating mga sarili,” he continued.

The senator’s staff distributed meals and masks to a total of 1,836 residents. They also gave select individuals new shoes and bicycles for commuting, as well as computer tablets for their children’s studies.

Moreover, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out cash assistance as part of the government efforts to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the residents’ daily lives.

The relief operations were held at the Barangay 73 Zone 7 hall in Caloocan City and Servants of Charity Compound Covered Court in Quezon City.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the senator offered additional help to those who have serious health issues and advised them to visit any of the 31 Malasakit Centers across Metro Manila. There are 151 Malasakit Centers established nationwide.

Go authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 as part of his commitment to improve Filipinos’ access to quality healthcare services. The said law provides for the establishment of Malasakit Centers in every hospital managed and administered by the Department of Health to provide poor and indigent patients convenient access to medical assistance programs by the government.

“Mga kababayan ko, napakarami pong available na Malasakit Centers diyan po sa Metro Manila. Kaya naman po nakikiusap po ako sa inyo na kung may nararamdaman po kayo ay bumisita po kayo sa Malasakit Center na malapit sa inyong lugar. Pera niyo po ‘yan, para po sa inyo ang Malasakit Center,” Go underscored.

To end, Go thanked the local officials for their continuous efforts to assist their constituents amid the challenges brought by the pandemic.

To accelerate the development of Metro Manila, Go likewise supported several infrastructure projects in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. In Quezon City, he supported the construction of an advanced Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Vertical Expansion of New ER Building in East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the rehabilitation of road networks of Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and Veterans Memorial Medical Center, and the construction of several multipurpose buildings.

Furthermore, Go sponsored Republic Act No. 11501 in 2020, increasing the Quirino Memorial Medical Center’s bed capacity from 500 to 1,000 beds; and R.A. No. 11561 in 2021, increasing EAMC’s bed capacity from 600 to 1,000 beds.

Go likewise supported 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.

Last March 29, Go personally visited and led the distribution of assistance to fire victims in Taguig City. (OSBG)