IN light of recent reports of a new COVID-19 variant in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded the public not to drop their guards as the fight against COVID-19 continues.

In his video message during a two-day relief operation in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, Go reminded the residents to remain cooperative of the government’s pandemic efforts.

“Sa mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lamang po. Alam kong napakahirap pa rin ng panahon ngayon pero huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Ngayon po na may naiuulat na bagong variant ng COVID-19, nais ko pong ipaalala ulit na magpabakuna na po kayo kung di pa kayo bakunado,” urged Go.

“Hindi po kaya mag-isa ng gobyerno ito. Kailangan namin ng patuloy niyong disiplina at kooperasyon upang malampasan pa po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap,” he continued.

Held at the municipal gymnasium, the senator’s team distributed snacks, shirts, and vitamins to 1,666 struggling residents. Select beneficiaries also received bicycles, computer tablets, shoes, umbrellas, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Serving as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has been dedicated in improving the country’s healthcare system.

Go encouraged residents to visit Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan City or Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center in Dipolog City where there are Malasakit Centers readily accessible to assist with their medical-related expenses.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop designed for poor and indigent patients. The program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. Currently, there are 153 established centers that has helped millions of Filipinos nationwide.

“Ang Malasakit Center ay tutulungan ho kayo hanggang maging zero balance po ang inyong billing. Malasakit Center para po ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients, para po ‘yan sa Pilipino. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center na malapit po diyan sa inyong lugar,” Go said.

Concluding his remarks, the senator gave recognition to all local leaders for their untiring service and sacrifice for their constituents. He also appealed for them to continue helping the poor and ensure that they recover from the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

To contribute to the development and economic growth of the city, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has likewise supported the concretion of roads along Sitio Matin-aw, Lawigan to Balas Proper and the farm-to-market road in Brgy. Bobongan.

He also helped in securing funds for the construction of the Labason Super Health Center. The center will provide basic health services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.