As the country gradually reopens its economy, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains dedicated to help boost the economic recovery of various sectors as he extended assistance to thousands of struggling residents in President Roxas and Pontevedra, Capiz on Monday, November 15.
“Alam ko na mahirap ang panahon ngayon, mahirap ang pamumuhay, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho, magtulungan lang tayo,” Go expressed in his video message.
Go also took the opportunity to encourage those belonging in the priority sectors to get inoculated immediately to help the nation achieve population protection and, eventually, herd immunity.
The senator also appealed to the national government to consider providing cash incentives to the fully-vaccinated members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). He expressed that this would help the economy recover and also raise vaccine awareness in more poor communities.
“Kaya mga kababayan, kung gusto n’yo na pong makalabas nang mas maayos, kung gusto n’yo na pong makabiyahe, pakiusap ko lang po na magpabakuna na kayo at kumpletuhin ninyo ang doses ninyo. Dalawang jabs lang po ito, kumpara sa mas masakit na swab test at, higit pa sa lahat, sa sakit at komplikasyon na dulot ng COVID-19. Kapag na bakunado na kayo, mas makakabiyahe na po kayo,” he said.
“Ayon sa datos, 16% pa lang ng 4Ps households ang bakunado. Kung kaya’t kailangan pa talaga natin paigtingin ang vaccine rollout upang suyurin at ienganyo sila na ‘wag matakot sa bakuna dahil ito ang tanging paraan upang malampasan ang krisis na ito,” he added.
The senator’s team handed out relief items such as snacks, masks and vitamins to 3,000 beneficiaries grouped into smaller batches to safeguard their well-being. The team followed necessary health protocols during the relief operation held at the respective civic centers of Pontevedra and President Roxas.
In addition, the team also gave select residents new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use to conveniently commute. They also gave some residents computer tablets to help children in their blended learning activities.
“Focus tayo na malampasan itong krisis na ito. At focus tayo sa pagresolba nitong pandemya at ito pong economic crisis na ating kinakaharap,” said Go.
Apart from the assistance given by the senator, Go lauded several government agencies for the additional support to help the residents further improve their living conditions amid the pandemic.
Staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to the beneficiaries through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed potential beneficiaries for their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.
As Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered additional assistance to residents with medical concerns and advised them to go to Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City where there is a Malasakit Center ready to help them should they require assistance with their medical bills.
Principally authored and sponsored by the senator, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to provide Filipinos, particularly poor and indigent patients, with convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Go also extended support to several projects in the province, such as the construction of a five-story new Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) Building and a multi-purpose building in Roxas City and Pontevedra, respectively, to further help in their recovery even at the height of the crisis.
He also supported the rehabilitation of roads in Jamindan; improvement of drainage canal and conversion of a multi-purpose building to a quarantine facility in Tapaz; acquisition of an ambulance for the local government of Dumarao; and road improvements in Ma-ayon, Mambusao, Panay, Pilar and Sapian.
Go then thanked various local officials who continue to support their respective constituents especially during these unprecedented times.
“Maraming salamat sa mga nagko-cooperate sa ating gobyerno. Kailangan natin ng disiplina mga kababayan, para malampasan natin itong krisis na ito,” he ended.
Previously, Go’s outreach team also gave similar assistance to more residents in Jamindan, Tapaz, Dao, Sigma, Cuartero, Dumalag and Sapian. (Office of SBG) -rir
