Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged small farmers and market vendors, particularly those facing a range of challenges from disasters and pandemic-related disruptions, to avail the government’s programs that can boost their livelihood.
In a video message at an activity for the agricultural producers in Valenzuela City on Friday, Sept. 24, Go assured struggling communities that the government is working hard so that no Filipino will be left behind in the recovery efforts.
“Gagawin po natin ang lahat sa abot ng ating makakaya upang makapagbigay ng tulong at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati. Kung may maitutulong kami sa inyo, magsabi lang kayo sa amin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Huwag kayo mahiyang lumapit sa amin dahil trabaho namin ang magserbisyo sa inyo,” Go reassured.
The Senator’s staff provided meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 201 farmers and market vendors at the Wes Event Space. The activity was conducted in batches in compliance with health and safety protocols against COVID-19.
Selected beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes and a bicycle to help them commute despite the limited public transportation options available. Another received a computer tablet for children to use in their blended learning activities at home.
As part of the government efforts to assist sectors in times of crisis, representatives from the Department of Agriculture also distributed livelihood assistance under its Enhanced KADIWA Financial Grant program. The Department of Health, on the other hand, handed out medicines and additional vitamins and masks.
“Ako po’y nagpapasalamat, unang-una, sa Panginoon sa biyayang pinansyal na natanggap namin.
Nagpapasalamat din ako kay Sen. Bong Go at sa mga konsehal ng Valenzuela City na ginamit Niya para makakuha kami ng ganitong assistance. Ito po ay napakalaking bagay sa amin dahil magagamit namin ito para sa karagdagang puhunan,” Rodolfo Blas said.
“Panalangin ko na humaba pa ang buhay ng ating mga opisyal at marami pa silang matulungan na mga taong nangangailang ng tulong. Maraming salamat at God bless sa kanila!” he continued.
To make sure their health concerns are addressed, the Senator offered further assistance to any beneficiary with medical concerns. He advised them to avail of the services from any of the 26 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila, the nearest of which is located at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in the said city.
Go is the main author and sponsor of the measure that became the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law aims to make existing government medical assistance programs more accessible by putting under one roof concerned agencies, including the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
In the end, the Senator expressed his gratitude to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Deputy Speaker and 1st District Representative Wes Gatchalian, and Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian. He assured them of his continued support for their efforts to assist members of the community who have been impacted by the pandemic and other crisis situations.
His team previously provided emergency assistance to a family in Sta. Lucia Village last July 26 after their home was damaged in a fire incident. He also supported the construction of the seven-story Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence in Barangay Malinta and the acquisition of four units of ambulances for the city in his capacity as Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. (Office of SBG) – bny
