Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended aid to the market vendors in the town of Tapaz in Capiz province who continue to contribute to the local economy amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.
A total of 608 vendors identified by the local government took part in the relief activity held at the Tapas municipal gym on Tuesday, April 13. Each beneficiary was given a food pack, vitamins, rewashable and medical-grade masks, and a face shield by Go’s personnel.
Selected beneficiaries also received bicycles for their daily work commute while others were given new pairs of shoes. Some vendors were provided computer tablets so their children can participate in the classes that are being carried out under the blended learning approach.
“Mga kababayan, magpalakas po tayo ng katawan at resistensya. Sumunod tayo sa gobyerno. Gamitin din natin ang mga masks at face shields, mag-social distancing at maghugas ng kamay palagi dahil delikado pa ang panahon ngayon. Tandaan natin na ang inyong kooperasyon at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa ay parte ng ating bayanihan efforts upang malampasan ang pagsubok na ito,” Go said in video message.
The Senator, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged the risks confronting the beneficiaries and promised that poor and vulnerable workers, including market vendors, would be included among those under the vaccination program.
“Magtiwala po tayo sa bakuna at suportahan natin ang national vaccine program. Sinusunod lang po ang order of priority at inuuna ang ating frontliners, senior citizens at ‘yung may comorbidities. Huwag kayo mag-alala dahil sisiguraduhin nating walang maiiwan sa ating pagbangon mula sa krisis,” he said.
Furthermore, he pledged to assist any indigent beneficiary who requires urgent medical treatment or services and advised them to seek further aid from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City.
The center is a one-stop shop which houses desk representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa ating mahal na Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at kay Senator Bong Go para sa tulong na kanilang ibinigay dito sa Tapaz. Bagama’t hirap ang ating administrasyon dahil sa pandemic na ito, walang humpay ang kanilang tulong. Ako’y nananalangin at nagpapasalamt sa Diyos para sa liderato na kanilang pinapakita na kahit hirap na hirap na sila hindi sila nakakalimot at nagpapabaya,” said Mayor Roberto Palomar.
As part of the national government’s intervention measures for individuals in distress, representatives from the DSWD taking part in the activity also provided each beneficiary with financial assistance.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority committed to provide livelihood support and skills training courses, respectively, upon completing their assessments of the beneficiaries.
The Senator, in his message, recognized and thanked Governor Esteban Evan Contreras, Mayor Palomar, Vice Mayor Fe Gardose, and other local officials for their efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and their untiring service to the community.
“Alam po namin na mahirap ang panahon ngayon. Talagang nasa krisis ang ating bansa. Hirap ang ating negosyo at marami pong nawalan ng trabaho. Kaya patuloy lang tayong magtulungan, mga kababayan ko, at malalampasan din natin itong mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” encouraged Go.
The activity was carried out in batches while strictly complying with the government-issued health and safety-protocols against COVID-19.
