IN view of his commitment to help the most vulnerable especially in poorer communities, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited and delivered assistance to persons with disabilities in Tupi, South Cotabato who are struggling to access essential services due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Sinabi ko kay Mayor [Romeo Tamayo] na hindi natin kakalimutan ang mga kapatid nating may disabilities, lalo na hirap tayo ngayong panahong ito. Hirap tayo sa trabaho at hirap sa negosyo. Magtulungan lang tayo, mga kababayan, at malalampasan rin natin ang mga pagsubok na ito,” began Go.

“Kaunting tiis lang po. Alam namin na nahihirapan na kayo. Hirap na din kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte pero kayo ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin para magtrabaho pa para malampasan natin itong pandemyang ito,” he added.

Go’s team distributed meals, food and medicine packs, masks and face shields to a total of 150 persons with disabilities at the municipal gym on Tuesday, June 22.

Some beneficiaries were provided bicycles, a convenient mode of transportation amid the pandemic, or new pairs of shoes. Others were given computer tablets so their children can conduct their blended learning activities more effectively.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go offered his assistance to any beneficiary seeking medical services or treatments. He reminded indigent patients to avail of the services of the Malasakit Center located at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City or the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City.

The center is a one-stop shop which provides convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the relevant government agencies, namely the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office.

“Kung kailangan niyo magpa-opera, mayroon nang Malasakit Center dito. Puntahan niyo lang ‘yan o lapitan niyo ang aking staff at tutulungan namin kayo. Mayroon na tayong 120 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na tutulong para sa mga pangangailangang medikal niyo. Inyo ito, para ito sa mga Pilipino,” explained Go.

The senator went on to encourage those struggling with medical conditions that puts them at a higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 to get immediate medical attention and get vaccinated once eligible. He also urged them to continue following the necessary health protocols so they can avoid contracting the virus.

“Pakiusap namin, magtiwala kayo sa bakuna. Ito ang tanging paraan para tayo ay makabalik sa normal natin na pamumuhay. Hangga’t patuloy na nagbabakuna ang gobyerno at hindi pa natin na-achieve ang herd immunity, kailangan namin ang disiplina niyo para hindi kumalat ang sakit. Ayaw natin na mangyari dito ang nangyari sa ibang bansa kung saan hindi na nila ma-control ang pandemya,” continued Go.

During the activity, personnel from various national agencies were also present to offer other forms of aid to help improve the beneficiaries’ quality of life. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs.

The DSWD also distributed financial assistance.

The Department of Agriculture gave away supplies of rice and vegetable seeds. Meanwhile, the DOH also handed out additional medicine packs and vitamins.

“Dahil sa pandemya, minsan isang beses lang kami makakain sa isang araw. Tinitiis nalang namin … Pangarap kong makatapos ng pag-aaral ang mga anak ko. Kahit ‘yun nalang ang maibigay ko sa kanila,” started Mike Sagan, a barber from Barangay Bunao.

“Sobrang saya ko ngayon dahil binigyan ako ng bagong crutches. Matagal na kasi ‘yung akin at ibinigay lang no’ng isang kakilala ko sa ospital. Hindi rin naman ako makabili kasi mahirap rin ang buhay. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako kay Sir Bong Go para sa bagong crutches ko at mga iba pang tulong niya. Sir, salamat po!” he continued.

Ending his message, the Senator commended the public officials for their efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their town. He specifically recognized 1st District Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., Mayor Tamayo, and Vice Mayor Glenn Hatulan.

He likewise acknowledged Councilors Rubi Navarro, Ruel Marcelino and Joselito Yabut and Association of Barangay Captains President Jeffrey Agustin.

To boost the development of South Cotabato, Go has supported the funding of various projects, including the construction of riverbank protections along the Marbel River in Bgy. Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, Banga River in Bgy. Kibid, Norala, and Safall River in Bgy. Poblacion, T’boli; concrete roads in the Surallah – Lake Sebu – Maitum Road – Luhib – Lamfugon – Tasiman Bypass Road in Lake Sebu and the Kolambog – Dumaguil Bypass Road in Norala; and a farm-to-market Road in Bgy. Upper Sepaka, Surallah, among others.

Earlier that day, the Senator and his team also extended aid to over one hundred of the town’s displaced workers. All activities were held in small batches to ensure the strict adherence to the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.