MANILA — Special Assistant to the President, Sec. Bong Go, has donated more than PHP41,000 in cash and coordinated an estimated PHP2-million worth of funds from different departments and government institutions to Filipinos in need of financial support for their health problems.
“Alam ko na maraming Pilipino ang naghahanap ng mapagkakatiwalaan at maaasahan lalung lalo na pagdating sa tulong pinansyal para sa kanilang kalusugan (I know that many need someone who they can trust and depend on especially in terms of financial assistance for health concerns),” Sec. Go said in an interview over dzRH on April 20.
“The Office of the Special Assistant to the President is always ready to aid and give a helping hand to Filipinos in any ways they can reach us,” said Go who also offered various assistance by collaborating with different government agencies that could accommodate their other requests.
In the phone interview, Go answered on-air requests from callers who have been suffering from various medical problems such as cancer, kidney diseases, leukemia, chronic disorders, burns and other diseases. He also addressed requests for assistance on medication and hospitalization expenses from the callers.
One of the callers was Alma Dela Cruz from Bulacan who is suffering from Stage 2 breast cancer. Although she has already availed of Office of the President funds, Go ensured that medications for her illness will continue.
Go also secured five chemotherapy sessions for dela Cruz through the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). The PGH will cover the succeeding cycles while, the chemotherapy medicine, Doxitrel, will be provided by the Department of Health.
Another was Warren Agustin from Pampanga who suffered from 3rd degree burns from a gas explosion in Saudi Arabia.
Aside from being discharged from the PGH on March 24 and all hospitalization expenses charged to the OP-PGH fund, Agustin received monetary assistance amounting to PHP2,000 for his continued medication.
Go also sent asthma-inflicted Rosario Velarde a much needed nebulizer on March 20 and gave additional PHP2,000 for her other medical expenses.
As of April 25, over 121 requests have been received and answered by Go. Filipinos who have requested assistance are now being assisted by the office of Secretary Go in order to relieve them from their medical and financial burdens.
Aside from requests for medical assistance, Go also responded to over 16 queries that ranged from agricultural to livelihood assistance. They include requests for assistance in facilitating DSWD claims, personal claims and pensions, financial assistance for house restructuring, provision of public utility vehicle, electrification of coastal municipalities and even availment of senior citizens’ free laboratory procedures. These requests have already been coordinated with pertinent government agencies.
“Marami pa po tayong dapat gawin at bukas po ang aming pintuan sa lahat ng Pilipino (There is so much to be done and our office’s door is open to everybody),” he said. “With the goals aligned with the aim of President Rodrigo Duterte to help Filipinos, we will do everything in our power to assist financially and if not, coordinate through proper channels to address the concerns of Filipinos who are in need.”
