Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged every Filipino to continue observing the health and safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19 while the government works to get more people vaccinated.
In a video message at a relief activity in Bindoy and Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, Go recognized the gains made in the vaccination program and called on those eligible to get their shots so they can have a lower risk of infection and serious illness.
“Mga kababayan, magtiwala tayo sa gobyerno at sa bakuna. Ang bakuna ang susi para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay. Habang hindi pa natin naa-achieve ang population protection at herd immunity, kailangan ng gobyerno ang kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat tao. Sumunod tayo sa mga patakaran para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit,” he appealed.
The Senator’s team provided meals, food packs, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 285 vulnerable residents at the Barangay Domolog covered court in Bindoy and Manjuyod municipal quadrangle. The activities were conducted in batches in strict observance of all health and safety protocols against COVID-19.
Selected recipients were given bicycles for their daily commute, while new pairs of shoes were given to others. Others were provided computer tablets to help their children with their school activities under the blended learning set-up.
Meanwhile, personnel from several national agencies were also present to offer other forms of aid as part of an ongoing effort by the government to alleviate the pandemic’s impacts.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out livelihood assistance in a separate distribution. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in turn, conducted assessments for their respective livelihood and training assistance programs.
“Medyo mahirap ngayong pandemya kasi nawala ‘yung mga trabaho. Para makaahon ay gumagawa kami ng pagkain sa bahay at binebenta namin ito sa mga dumadaan na habal-habal drivers,” Ermelina del Rosario, 54, a resident to Manjuyod shared.
”Nagpapasalamat ako at gagamitin ko ang perang aking natanggap para magsimula ng hog raising business. Sana matulungan pa po kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at Senator Bong Go dito sa Negros (Oriental) dahil hirap na hirap na talaga kami dito,” she continued.
To ensure they have access to medical care, Go also offered to help any beneficiary, particularly those in need of treatment that is unavailable locally. He reminded them not to delay their health concerns and informed them that they may avail of the services of the Malasakit Center located at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital in Dumaguete City.
The center is a one-stop shop pioneered by Go which provides convenient access to the medical assistance offered by the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 141 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
“Lapitan lang ninyo ang Malasakit Center para sa mga pangangailangan niyong pangkalusugan. Para ito sa lahat ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mga mahihirap na nangangailangan ng tulong sa pampagamot,” he explained.
Ending his message, the Senator expressed gratitude to the local officials for their part in the response to the pandemic. He thanked 1st District Rep. Joselyn Sy-Limkaichong; Gov. Roel Degamo; Vice Gov. Edward Macias; Bindoy Mayor Ike Amorganda and Vice Mayor Eniego Jabagat; and Manjuyod Mayor Felix Sy and Vice Mayor Raffy Andaya.
He vowed his continued support for Negrenses, having conducted a similar relief effort for hundreds of residents in Tayasan and Ayungon.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported numerous initiatives to develop the local economies and create more livelihood opportunities in the provinces. In Bindoy, he supported the rehabilitation and improvement of the Cabcaban – Nalundan Provincial Road.
Other major initiatives he supported include rehabilitation of roads in Amlan, Mabinay, Pamplona and Bais City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Pamplona, Tayasan, Valencia and Vallehermoso; renovation of the Valencia public market; construction of the waterworks system in Ayungon and Tayasan; and the acquisition of ambulance units for the NOPH and the Macias Memorial Hospital in Dumaguate City, Mabinay Medical Community Hospital, Gov. William “Billy” Villegas Memorial Hospital in Guihulngan and Bayawan District Hospital. (Office of Sen. Bong Go) – bny
