Carrying on with his commitment of providing support to underprivileged Filipinos during the holiday season, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team on Thursday, Dec. 23, to deliver assistance to hundreds of residents, composed of senior citizens and solo parents, in Barangay Tigatto, Davao City.
Observing strict health protocols, Go’s team distributed grocery packs, meals, and masks to 500 residents at Brgy. Tigatto Purok 1 Sitio Uyanguren Gym. They also gave selected residents new pairs of shoes, computer tablets, and bicycles.
In his video message, Go thanked everyone for their continuous support and trust in the Duterte Administration. He reassured them that he will not stop serving Filipinos nationwide and helping them overcome the struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.
“Mga kapitbahay kong Davaoeño, babati lang ako sa inyo ng Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mayroon lang po akong pinadala diyan sa inyo. Kaunting tulong lang ito para kahit papaano ay masaya ang ating Pasko,” Go remarked.
“Marahil sinusubok ang ating katatagan ngayong taon pero patuloy lang po tayong magdasal at magmalasakit sa kapwa. Alagaan natin ang ating kalusugan at panatilihing ligtas ang ating komunidad — iyan ang pinakaimportanteng mapapamahagi natin ngayong Pasko,” he added.
Several government agencies also extended support to the residents. A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to the Davaoeños through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, while the Department of Trade and Industry evaluated potential beneficiaries for its livelihood program. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also conducted a lecture and discussed possible scholarship opportunities for the beneficiaries and their loved ones.
Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, urged those who are eligible, especially the senior citizens, to overcome their hesitation and participate in the national inoculation drive. He likewise reassured them that the government is persistently doing its best to assure that there are safe and sufficient vaccines for all qualified Filipinos.
“Huwag kayong kumpiyansa dahil mayroon ng bagong variant itong Omicron, delikado at mabilis itong makahawa at kumalat. Pero ‘pag bakunado kayo, mas protektado kayo na hindi magkahawaan. Huwag kayong makumpiyansa, mag-face mask pa rin at kung kailangan ng face shield dahil mayroong mga hindi pa bakunado sa inyong mga katabi, delikado pa ang panahon,” Go stressed.
The senator then reminded the residents that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city.
Malasakit Center streamlines the process of seeking medical assistance from the government for indigent patients. The center aims to reduce a patient’s medical bill by covering expenses such as laboratories, medicines, surgeries, and operations.
“Mayroon lang akong sasabihin sa inyo, mayroon na tayong 149 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas. Ang Malasakit Center ay one-stop shop nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, ang Philhealth, PCSO, DOH at DSWD tutulungan kayo ng Malasakit Center hanggang maging zero balance, wala na kayong babayaran sa inyong pagpapaospital,” Go said.
Finally, the senator expressed his gratitude towards the local leaders, particularly Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and Councilors Che-Che Justol and Dante Apostol, for their immeasurable service and dedication to their constituents amid the health crisis.
“Patuloy po kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte sa abot po ng aming makakaya. Ingat po kayo palagi. Merry Christmas. Salamat po,” he ended.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported several initiatives to boost the city’s economic recovery and create more opportunities for its residents. These include the construction of water systems in Barangays Acacia, Fatima, Mabuhay, and San Isidro; and the construction or widening of drainage canals in Barangays Bunawan Proper and Mintal.
He also supported the rehabilitation of multipurpose buildings and local roads in different barangays throughout the city; construction or rehabilitation of drainage systems in Tupaz Outfall and Barangays Centro, Mudiang, and Ubalde; construction of flood control structures in Barangay 9-A and Datu Loho Creek; and acquisition of ambulance units for Barangays Mintal, Buhangin and Gatungan.
The distribution activity is part of the senator’s staunch commitment to help his fellow Davaoeños. On December 20 and 21, he personally visited Brgys. Vicente Hizon Sr. and Panacan and led similar relief efforts for struggling residents there, while several of his outreach teams simultaneously conducted relief operations in Brgys. Aquino, Duterte and Tibungco. (PR) – bny
