PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed optimism that the country will soon return to normalcy by committing to a whole-of-nation approach to speed up further its vaccine rollout to more far-flung communities.

In his video message during a relief effort in Pagbilao, Quezon on Wednesday, April 13, Go lauded the national government for the hard work it has done so far to acquire a sufficient supply of vaccines. He then encouraged the government officials to remain determined in ensuring that the Filipino people, especially those residing in remote areas, have convenient access to the vaccines.

“Maraming salamat po sa ating national government dahil patuloy po silang kumukuha ng sapat na supply ng bakuna para sa lahat. Kaya naman nakikiusap po ako sa inyo na magpabakuna na po kayo. Libre naman po itong mga bakuna at ito po ang susi at solusyon natin upang makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay,” appealed Go.

“Mga kababayan ko, pinaghirapan po ng gobyerno itong mga bakuna na ito. Kaya kung ano pong bakuna ang nasa harapan niyo, ipaturok niyo na po. Lahat naman ng kinukuha nating bakuna ay aprubado ng mga health experts,” he added.

In line with his commitment to ensure the Filipino’s well-being, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, reminded everyone to prioritize their health. He then encouraged them to visit Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City where a Malasakit Center is available to provide them convenient access to medical assistance programs by the government.

After witnessing firsthand the struggles of low-income Filipinos in applying for medical aid from various government offices, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program to bring together under one roof the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, making it more convenient for poor and indigent patients to seek help in reducing their medical expenses.

Since it was launched in 2018, the Malasakit Centers program has helped more than three million Filipinos and has established 151 centers nationwide.

“Ito pong Malasakit Center, batas na po ito na pinirmahan ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte. Itinaguyod po yan para po hindi na po mahirapan ang ating mga mamamayan na kumuha ng tulong medikal mula sa gobyerno. Nilagay na po natin lahat ng ahensya na kailangan sa iisang kwarto,” explained Go, who is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

Meanwhile, Go’s team mounted the distribution activity at the Barangay Bukal Covered Court where 100 residents received meals and masks. In addition, they provided new pairs of shoes, a bicycle, and a cellphone to select individuals. Meanwhile, representatives from the DSWD extended financial support.

An adopted son of CALABARZON, Go has also supported various projects for the development of the town in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. These include the acquisition of a multipurpose vehicle and the installation of street lights in Barangays Ibaba and Ilaya.

He also supported other projects in the province, such as the improvement of Gumaca Bypass Road; construction of multipurpose buildings in Alabat, Candelaria, General Nakar, Infanta, Lucena City and Mauban; improvement and rehabilitation of roads in Alabat, Candelaria, Calauag, Dolores, Lopez, Lucena City, San Antonio and Tiaong-Dolores; construction of slope protection in Sariaya; and the construction of Ospital ng San Antonio in San Antonio.

Furthermore, Go pushed for the passage of House Bill No. 7952 which shall establish the Southern Luzon Multispecialty Medical Center in Tayabas.

“Magtulungan lang ho tayo mga kababayan ko, malalagpasan din po natin ang krisis na kinakaharap. Basta kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay nandirito lang upang umalalay sa inyo, hindi po namin kayo pababayaan,” he reassured.

Last month, Go’s team provided similar assistance to more indigents from the town of Lucban. (OSBG)