In an ongoing effort to aid vulnerable sectors and displaced workers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed additional assistance to 400 beneficiaries comprised of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) drivers and TV industry workers who sought government support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City on Saturday, April 24.
“Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil malalampasan natin ang lahat ng krisis kung magbabayanihan tayo. Alam namin mahirap ang panahon ngayon,” Go reminded them in a video message.
“Ramdam ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte ang hirap na dinaranas ninyo. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan, tuluy-tuloy ang aming serbisyo,” he added.
While the DSWD provided financial assistance to the beneficiaries, Go’s team separately provided additional aid through meals, vitamins, masks and face shields. The activity was done in batches while observing necessary health and safety protocols to further prevent the spread of the virus.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, the Senator also reminded the beneficiaries to strictly follow the necessary government-issued protocols in order to protect themselves and their communities from the threats of COVID-19.
As further support, the Senator offered to assist those who are in need of medical attention. He also advised them that they may conveniently seek medical assistance from any of the 103 Malasakit Centers established nationwide.
Six Malasakit Centers are 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.
“Patuloy ang aking opisina na umiikot upang magbigay ng tulong at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati. Kaya ‘wag kayong mahiya na lumapit sa amin dahil trabaho namin ang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” said Go.
“Alam namin na hirap na kayo. Hirap na hirap rin kami ni Pangulong Duterte pero kayo ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin upang magserbisyo at magtrabaho pa kami ng mabuti,” he added
Amid community quarantine restrictions, Go has earlier called the attention of the national government to also prioritize and provide support for displaced workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly daily wage earners, such as those from the transport and entertainment industries.
“Dahil sa economic impacts ng pandemya, marami po sa kanila ay hindi makapagtrabaho o nahihirapang humanap ng trabaho. Nararapat lamang po na mabigyan sila ng tulong ng pamahalaan, lalo na iyong mga pinaka-nangangailangan nito,” Go previously said.
On April 17, Go’s office also extended additional assistance to affected and displaced workers from the media industry catered to by the DSWD. He also distributed additional assistance to 200 indigents who sought government support from the d
