PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged the government to continue helping struggling communities amid the pandemic as his team distributed assistance to 1,000 indigent residents in Taytay, Rizal on Wednesday, April 13.

Go’s staff ensured that the necessary safety and health protocols were strictly observed during the relief effort conducted at the Barangay Dolores covered court. They grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches before handing out meals and masks. They also provided select individuals with new shoes, a bicycle and computer tablets to help them address other pandemic-related challenges.

“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.

Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also 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 patient’s hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various 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 the 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. Go previously supported the construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

Other major initiatives he supported include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono, Rodriguez and Antipolo City; rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Rodriguez; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez; construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City; construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras; and purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo.

Earlier this month, Go’s team mounted a similar distribution activity for indigent families in Antipolo City and Cainta. (OSBG)