PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go appealed for continued bayanihan efforts for sectors worst-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as his office conducted two-day relief operations in Cabarroguis, Quirino on April 21 and 22.

In a video message, Go also urged the residents to continue cooperating with the government’s pandemic efforts so the country may recover swiftly from the challenges brought by the global health crisis.

“Sana po’y nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Alam ko pong nasa gitna pa tayo ng krisis. Ngunit, magtulungan lang po tayo, malalampasan po natin ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” said Go.

The senator’s team distributed meals and masks to 2,500 residents from various sectoral groups at the Barangay San Marcos Covered Court.

The team gave new pairs of shoes and bicycles to select residents to help them in commuting. They also provided others with computer tablets to help their children access educational materials.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

The senator, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged those eligible to take part in the inoculation drive so they can better protect themselves and others from the most harmful effects of COVID-19.

“Mga kababayan ko, ‘pag mayroon na hong bakuna sa harapan ninyo, magpabakuna na po kayo. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna,” said Go.

“Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay,” he stressed.

The senator offered additional aid to residents with health concerns and advised them to seek medical assistance from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Quirino Provincial Medical Center in the town.

Primarily authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 or the “Malasakit Centers Act of 2019” mandates all hospitals managed and administered by the Department of Health and the Philippine General Hospital to establish their own Malasakit Centers to help particularly poor and indigent patients nationwide with their medical expenses.

“Mga kababayan ko, kung mayroon po kayong mga pasyente, mayroon na ho tayong 151 na Malasakit Centers. Ang Malasakit Center po’y handang tumulong po sa inyo, para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients. Zero balance po ang target niyan. One-stop shop na po ‘yan. Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar,” Go explained.

Ending his remarks, Go recognized and thanked the local officials for their leadership and commitment to help their constituents overcome the challenges brought by the pandemic.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported various initiatives to boost development and economic growth in Quirino. These include the construction of a multipurpose building in Cabarroguis, concreting of the Sinabbagan Road in Nagtipunan, construction of the Tamsi-Landingan Viewpoint water system in Nagtipunan, and installation of solar street lights in Saguday and Diffun.

On March 2, Go led the efforts for the launch of the country’s 151st Malasakit Center at the Quirino Provincial Medical Center (QPMC) in Cabarroguis. (OSBG)