PASAY CITY -- Committed to support more pandemic-affected Filipinos nationwide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Manay, Davao Oriental on Thursday, July 28, and personally spearheaded a series of relief operations for its struggling residents.

In his speech, Senator Go assured that he remains dedicated in addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable sectors amid the global health crisis. The senator then appealed to the public to remain disciplined and supportive of the government as it strengthens its efforts against the ongoing pandemic and other possible crises that may occur.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go then encouraged eligible residents to participate in the national inoculation drive. He underscored that getting their complete jabs against COVID-19 will not only boost their defenses but would also help the country attain population protection leading to herd immunity.

“Habang patuloy ang ating pagbabakuna mayroon lang akong ipapakiusap sa inyo, (bilang) Chairman ninyo sa Committee on Health sa Senado, magpabakuna na sana kayo. Ang bakuna ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating mga pamumuhay,” the senator appealed.

In line with his priority of looking after the health and well-being of the Filipino people, Go also advised the public to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Center located at Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program back in 2018 to help reduce the hospital bills of particularly poor and indigent patients to the lowest amount possible by covering various services and expenses. The program was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go primarily authored and sponsored.

“Kung mayroon kayong ipapaospital, mayroon na tayong 151 na Masalakit Center sa buong Pilipinas. Nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, at DSWD na tutulungan kayo hanggang maging zero balance. Iyan po ang Malasakit Center,” Go explained.

“Kung mayroong pasyente dito na kailangan ng operasyon… sakit sa puso, dialysis, cancer, magsabi lang kayo kay Mayor, Vice Mayor o kay Konsehal (at) ako na ang tutulong sa inyong pagpapaospital hanggang makauwi kayo, pati pamasahe,” he offered.

Go and his team mounted the relief activities at Barangay Holy Cross Covered Court and Manay municipal gymnasium where they distributed grocery packs, shirts, vitamins, masks, meals and snacks to a total of 2,200 struggling residents. Go also gave away shoes, phablets and watches to select individuals.

Go, who also heads the Senate Committee on Sports, likewise provided bicycles, and balls for volleyball and basketball to some as part of his efforts to encourage more Filipinos to participate in sports activities, saying, “Kaya ang aking adbokasiya ay get into sports, stay away from drugs. Ang adbokasiya ko ay health – kalusugan at sports. Kaya aking hinihikayat ang mga kabataan sabi ko, get into sports, stay away from drugs.”

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance while the Department of Trade and Industry assessed potential beneficiaries who may take part in its livelihood program.

Ending his speech, Go gave recognition to all of the local officials who continue to support their constituents amid crisis situations. He also reaffirmed that his office is always open to listen and assist them with their concerns.

“Nandito lamang ako na inyong senador na handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Huwag kayong mahiya na lumapit sa akin. Huwag kayong magpasalamat, ako ang nagpapasalamat sa inyo. Kami ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” he concluded.

The senator has also supported several initiatives in the province, such as the rehabilitation of roads in several barangays, installation of solar LED lights along the National Road in Brgy. Bagumbayan, 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 was also instrumental in the construction of four Super Health Centers in the province.

Earlier that day, the senator also visited the Island Garden City of Samal and personally provided assistance to 12 families who were victims of the Auring Village incident. Meanwhile, his team also visited Lupon and Banaybanay on the previous day and provided relief to 2,300 indigents. (OSBG)