PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reassured displaced workers in Nueva Ecija that the government remains committed to helping more struggling sectors overcome the global health crisis.
Following the series of relief activities mounted by his office in various towns in the province the previous day, Go’s team continued distributing aid in Licab, Cuyapo and Talavera on Thursday, May 19.
In his video message, Go, who is an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, reassured that the government’s pandemic efforts carefully balance the public’s health and the country’s economic recovery.
“Mga kababayan, magtulungan at magmalasakit tayo sa ating kapwa. Ginagawa ng gobyerno ang lahat upang mabalanse ang ekonomiya at ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he remarked.
The senator’s outreach team distributed masks and meals to a total of 1,218 displaced workers at the respective municipal gymnasiums. Additionally, they gave bicycles, phablets and shoes to select individuals.
Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided each displaced worker with livelihood grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.
“Ngayon, tuturuan at bibigyan kayo ng gobyerno ng puhunan sa pagnenegosyo. Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Masarap sa pakiramdam ‘pag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan niyo ang inyong kita. Sana gamitin niyo ito sa tama at dalhin niyo ang kita ninyo sa inyong mga pamilya,” said Go.
At the height of the pandemic, Go had been at the forefront urging the various agencies to roll out various assistance programs to help cushion the socio-economic impacts of the ongoing global health crisis. These include the series of Social Amelioration Program and Supplemental Amelioration Program for the poorest of the poor, and the Small Wage Subsidy Program for displaced workers employed by micro, small and medium enterprises, among others.
The senator then offered additional assistance to the workers with medical concerns as he advised them to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (Dr. PJGMRMC), both in Cabanatuan City, and Talavera General Hospital in Talavera.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients may conveniently avail medical assistance from relevant government agencies, namely, the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than three million Filipinos nationwide. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act.
In line with his commitment to help the country attain population protection leading to herd immunity, Go likewise encouraged the eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the free vaccines against COVID-19.
“Libre naman po itong bakuna mula sa gobyerno. Pinaghirapan po ng gobyerno kunin itong mga bakuna kaya po pakiusap lang, huwag n’yo na pong sayangin ang oportunidad,” he continued.
Ending his remarks, the senator thanked the local leaders and urged them to continue helping their constituents in need.
