PASAY CITY -- The outreach team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go mounted a two-day relief effort from April 7 to 8 for hundreds of disadvantaged residents from the towns of Dauis, Panglao, Tubigon, Balilihan and Sikatuna, in support of the government’s efforts to boost pandemic-affected communities nationwide.
“Magtulungan lang po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Ginagawa naman po ng gobyerno ang lahat, binabalanse ang ekonomiya, at importante po ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” said Go in his video message.
“Magbayanihan po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino. Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung hindi tayo lang po kapwa nating mga Pilipino,” he added.
The senator’s staff distributed masks and snacks to 946 struggling residents at the Barangay Songculan Covered Court in Dauis. They also gave shoes to select individuals and computer tablets to others to help their children with their learning activities.
Meanwhile, representatives from several agencies were also in attendance to help the residents overcome the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provided scholarship grants to qualified residents.
Lastly, the Department of Trade and Industry extended livelihood support to those who qualified under its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Livelihood Program.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reassured that the government is continuously rolling out vaccines, especially in remote areas, to ensure that more Filipinos are inoculated against COVID-19. He then encouraged those eligible to get vaccinated as this would significantly help the country recover and return to normalcy faster.
“Mga kababayan ko, marami na pong bakuna ang dumating kaya hinihimok ko ang lahat na magpabakuna na po kayo. Libre naman po ito at pinaghirapan po ito ng gobyerno,” Go appealed.
“Kung mahal niyo po ang inyong pamilya o kaya kung gusto niyo ng agarang pagbalik sa normal, magpabakuna na po kayo. Ito ang tanging susi o solusyon upang makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” he added.
In line with his commitment to protect the well-being of Filipinos, Go offered help to the residents in need of medical attention. He advised them to go to the Malasakit Centers at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay to assist them with their hospital expenses.
Bringing together concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the Malasakit Center aims to reduce a patient’s bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various services and fees.
Go also supported the enactment of House Bill No. 10242 which seeks to convert GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go likewise supported several projects in the province, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe.
“Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po. Alam ko pong nahihirapan na kayo. Kami rin po ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte ay nahihirapan din po. Subalit, kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas sa amin upang makapagserbisyo pa po, araw-araw po 24/7, upang malampasan natin at sana po’y makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay tulad po noon,” he ended.
Go’s team conducted similar aid activities for vulnerable residents in Clarin, Tubigon, Loboc, and Tagbilaran City earlier this month. (OSBG)