PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged the government to ensure that public support and services reach the poorest of the poor as the country recovers from COVID-19. He made his appeal in a video message during the distribution activities conducted by his team in Antipolo City and Cainta in Rizal on Friday, April 8.

“Pakiusap, huwag nating pabayaan ang mga kababayan natin, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap, dahil tayo lang ang matatakbuhan nila. Balansehin natin ang pag-ahon ng ating ekonomiya,” said Go.

“Unahin natin ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino para masigurong walang maiiwan tungo sa ating muling pagbangon bilang isang mas matatag na bansa,” he added.

The senator’s team distributed meals and masks to a total of 1,156 residents in batches at the Ynares Event Center in Antipolo City and Municipal Hall in Cainta. They also provided select individuals with new shoes, a bicycle and computer tablets to help them address other pandemic-related challenges.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial assistance to help mitigate the adverse impacts of the ongoing health crisis.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go pledged to continue working closely with the government to protect the health and well-being of Filipinos by expanding access to affordable healthcare. He encouraged the sick and elderly to visit the nearest Malasakit Center where they may conveniently avail of the medical assistance programs offered by the government.

The primary aim of the Malasakit Center is to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses. There are currently 151 centers nationwide, the closest of which are located at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan.

“Sa mga pasyente dito, hindi niyo na po kailangang bumiyahe para pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina para makahingi ng tulong mula sa gobyerno. Kung may bill kayo, ilapit niyo lang ‘to sa Malasakit Center. Wala itong pinipili. Basta poor at indigent patient ka, qualified ka,” assured Go, who primarily authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Hindi niyo na kailangang mahirapan dahil sa totoo lang, pera niyo naman ‘yan. Binabalik lang ito sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mabilis at maayos na serbisyo mula sa Malasakit Centers,” he noted.

Concluding his remarks, the senator thanked local officials for their continuing service and dedication.

An adopted son of the CALABARZON region, Go pledged to push for more programs, projects and initiatives that will benefit local communities in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. He had previously supported the construction of the Justice Building in Brgy. Inarawan and rehabilitation of the drainage system along Napoleon Street in Antipolo City.

Other major initiatives across the province include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono; construction or improvement of new roads and a multipurpose building in Baras; purchase and installation of street lights in San Mateo; and construction of Taytay Sports Complex. (OSBG)