As he constantly reminds the public for continued vigilance and discipline to stop the spread of COVID-19, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his appeal to the national government to consider providing cash incentives for fully-vaccinated members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
In a video message during the distribution activities in San Jorge, Jiabong, Motiong, and Paranas, Samar on Nov. 17 and 18, Go encouraged eligible individuals to take part in the national vaccination program. He reassured them that the government is undertaking necessary measures to boost vaccine confidence in more far-flung communities.
“Alam niyo, 84% ng mga 4Ps beneficiaries ay takot pa sa bakuna. Kailangang paigtingin pa natin ang pagpa-intindi sa kanila. Hindi ako sang-ayon sa ‘no bakuna, no ayuda’ kaya baliktarin natin,” Go said.
“Nakapag-suggest na ako kay Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na bigyan ng 500 pesos cash incentive ang lahat ng beneficiaries para maengganyo sila,” he shared.
Go’s team, in partnership with several government agencies, organized the distribution activities at the respective municipal covered courts of Motiong and Jiabong, San Jorge National High School, and Paranas Municipal Tennis Court.
Go’s team distributed meals, vitamins, and masks to a total of 4,000 indigent residents. The outreach team carried out the activities in small batches in compliance with the government’s health and safety protocols against COVID-19.
Moreover, the senator gave away new pairs of shoes and bicycles to select residents. Go also gave computer tablets to some residents to help children with their blended learning activities.
“Pakiusap namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, kailangan namin ang kooperasyon at disiplina ng bawat Pilipino. Sundin natin ang mga patakaran ng gobyerno at kung hindi kailangan, ‘wag kayong umalis ng inyong pamamahay. Huwag tayong maging kumpiyansa dahil delikado pa ang panahon,” Go said.
“Kung mahal niyo ang mga pamilya niyo, magpabakuna na rin kayo. Kailangan nating makamtan ang herd immunity ngayong taon para makabalik na tayo sa normal nating pamumuhay at sumigla muli ang ating ekonomiya,” he reminded.
In addition to Go’s assistance, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance in a separate distribution as part of an ongoing effort by the government to alleviate the economic impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable sectors.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided qualified residents with livelihood support and scholarship grants through their respective assistance programs.
The senator further offered his assistance to residents in need of medical care. He encouraged them to avail of medical assistance from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City.
The center serves as a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs offered by partner agencies, including DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The senator then expressed his gratitude towards the local officials of the four municipalities led by Representatives Edgar Sarmiento and Sharee Ann Tan, Governor Reynolds Michael Tan, and Vice Governor Angelica Gomez, for supporting their constituents amid the crisis.
In line with his commitment to boost the economic recovery and delivery of public service in the province, Go, who also serves as the Vice-Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, committed to supporting the construction of a public market in San Jorge and the acquisition of a dump truck for Jiabong.
He also supported rehabilitation of roads in Jiabong, Paranas, Motiong, Matuguinao, Basey, Calbiga, Daram, Marabut, and Pinabacdao; acquisition of multi-purpose vehicles in Basey and Motiong; construction of evacuation centers in Sta. Margarita and Zumarraga; rehabilitation of public markets in Talalora; installation of street lights in San Sebastian; and construction of a multi-purpose hall in Catbalogan City.
Go’s outreach team previously extended similar aid to thousands of residents from San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao, Gandara, Santa Margarita, Tarangnan and Pagsanghan. (Office of SBG)
