As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of many Filipinos, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Saturday, May 1, distributed additional assistance to musicians and TV industry workers currently being catered to by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Metro Manila.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, advised the beneficiaries to continue to follow government-issued health protocols, such as wearing of masks and face shields when in public, regular washing of hands, observing social distancing, and avoiding unessential travels.
He also assured them that the poor and vulnerable sectors will be provided access to vaccines in accordance with the COVID-19 vaccination prioritization list.
“Huwag po kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot po kayo sa COVID-19. Ang bakuna po ang tanging solusyon natin dito upang malampasan po natin itong krisis,” Go said.
“Ang bakuna po ang susi para makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay. Magtiwala lamang kayo sa ating gobyerno,” he added.
During the activity held at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City, around 717 beneficiaries were provided with meals, masks, face shields and vitamins.
The activity was conducted in batches while strictly complying with the necessary health protocols to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.
As further support, the Senator offered to assist those who are in need of medical attention. He strongly advised them to seek the nearest Malasakit Center where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from government.
Six Malasakit Centers have been established in Quezon City located at the Lung Center of the Philippines, Novaliches District Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and East Avenue Medical Center.
The DSWD also provided financial assistance to the beneficiaries, particularly to those who were not covered by the Social Amelioration Program and the Supplemental Amelioration Program.
“Alam kong hirap na kayo pero konting tiis lang po, mga kababayan ko. Patuloy tayong magtulungan at magmalasakit sa kapwa natin. Sino ba naman magtutulungan kundi tayo lang kapwa Pilipino,” said Go.
Due to the impact of the pandemic on their lives and sources of income, Go’s office distributed additional assistance to 200 indigents who also sought government support from the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City on April 15.
He also distributed additional assistance to affected and displaced workers from the media industry currently being catered to by the DSWD on April 17.
