PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, June 22, personally led the second day of relief distribution for indigent residents in the province of Davao Oriental, this time in the town of San Isidro.

The senator and his team mounted the outreach activities at the municipal gymnasium and evacuation center where they distributed grocery packs, vitamins, shirts, meals and snacks to a total of 2,900 indigents. The senator also gave phablets, watches and shoes to select individuals.

In addition, Go gave bicycles and balls for volleyball and basketball to others. In his speech, the senator remarked how sports can positively impact the lives of Filipinos and help them avoid illegal drugs and other criminal activities, saying, “Huwag natin sayangin ang naumpisahan ni Presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte na kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, kampanya laban sa iligal na droga. Tulungan niyo sana kami, ang aming pagsusumikap ay para ito sa susunod na henerasyon. Huwag natin sayangin, maganda na ang takbo ng kampanya laban sa kriminalidad.”

Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial aid under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program so the residents can sustain their daily needs.

Apart from the relief items, the senator likewise offered to assist those requiring medical treatment. He encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

The center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. To date, 151 centers have been established nationwide.

“Ang Malasakit Center, para ito sa mga poor and indigent Filipinos. Katuwang ninyo ito at batas na ito na isinulong ko noon na pinirmahan ni Presidente Duterte para hindi na mahirapan ang mga Pilipino. One-stop shop at hanapin niyo lang sa isang kwarto sa ospital, magkakatapat ang apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno at handang magserbisyo sa inyo hanggang maging zero balance ang inyong billing, 'yan ang Malasakit Center,” the lawmaker explained.

“At kahit sa Mati, tutulungan namin kayo. Walang pinipili ang Malasakit Center kahit na taga-Mati ka, taga-San Isidro ka, hanapin niyo lang ang karatula ng Malasakit Center, tutulungan nila kayo,” he continued.

The senator then urged those eligible to participate in the national vaccination program, citing how vaccines can significantly boost their defenses while keeping their communities safe and helping the country attain population protection leading to herd immunity.

“Ang bakuna ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay... Magpabakuna na sana kayo, pakiusap lang,” said Go.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also helped boost the economic opportunities and improve the delivery of public services in the province by supporting the rehabilitation of roads in several barangays, installation of solar LED lights along the National Road and construction of potable water systems in Brgy. Bagumbayan, construction of a flood mitigation structure along Sumlog River, and the construction of IP Community Learning Center in Brgy. Don Mariano. He also supported the construction of four Super Health Centers in the province.

On the previous day, Go and his team, together with representatives from DSWD, likewise provided assistance and livelihood support to thousands of struggling residents in Lupon. (OSBG)