THE Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted relief operations in Pinamungajan and Dalaguete, Cebu on Monday, September 27 for the towns’ residents whose lives and livelihoods have been hit hard by the pandemic.

The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 3,936 beneficiaries at the Cebu Technological University Covered Court in Pinamungajan and Sports Complex in Dalaguete.

“Hindi po kayo pababayaan ng gobyernong palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Ipaglalaban namin palagi ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap lalo na yung mga wala nang matakbuhan. Magtulungan po tayo para masigurong walang maiiwan sa muling pagbangon ng ating bansa,” Go reiterated.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles for their daily commute. Others were provided computer tablets so their children can study at home under the blended learning approach.

In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided qualified beneficiaries with financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on the other hand, committed to extend further aid upon completing their assessments to further alleviate their financial distress from the pandemic.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the Senator also offered to assist beneficiaries in need of medical care. He informed them that they may avail of medical assistance at the Malasakit Centers at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, both in Cebu City, Talisay City District Hospital, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.

First launched in Cebu City in 2018, the centers serve as a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs offered by the government, specifically the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The assistance covers laboratories, medicines, surgeries and other patient services and expenses.

“Kung may nararamdaman kayong sakit sa puso o ano man, ‘wag niyo na patagalin pa. Kadalasan ayaw ng mga Pilipino magpa-check-up dahil baka malaki ang gastusin sa ospital. Alam ko kung gaano ka hirap maging mahirap pero hindi niyo na kailangang magmakaawa para makahingi ng tulong sa gobyerno,” Go said in a video message.

“At kung may pasyente na hindi kayang operahan diyan ay tutulungan namin kayo makapunta sa Maynila. Kami na ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang sasalo sa pampa-ospital ninyo pati pamasahe hanggang makauwi kayo,” he reassured.

In the end, Go recognized various officials for their support for the administration’s efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos. Among these were 2nd District Representative Wilfredo Caminero, 3rd District Representative Pablo John Garcia, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Governor Hilario Davide, Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro and Vice Mayor Richard Canillo, and Dalaguete Mayor Jeffrey Belciña and Vice Mayor William Lagahid.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported numerous infrastructure initiatives nationwide to boost economic recovery and improve public service delivery amid these trying times.

In Cebu, Go supported road improvements in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungahan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, Cebu City and Talisay City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madrilejos and Naga City.

He then emphasized that his efforts to support and protect the welfare of Cebuanos will always be a priority as he works with their local leaders in improving the lives of fellow Bisaya communities.

“Mga kaigsuonan, mga Bisaya, daghang salamat sa inyong tabang sa amoa ni Presidente Duterte. Kami pud, mga Bisaya man pud mi, utang kabubut-on, dili kalimtan. Ug timan-i ninyo, mga Bisaya, pinalangga mo namo ni Presidente Duterte,” he finally said.

(Translation: “Sa mga kapatid ko, mga Bisaya, maraming salamat sa inyong tulong sa amin ni Presidente Duterte. Kami rin, mga Bisaya rin kami, utang na loob, hindi nalilimutan. At tandaan ninyo, mga Bisaya, mahal namin kayo ni Presidente Duterte.”)

Go’s team conducted similar relief operations in Tabogon and Medellin, Cebu from September 24 to 25 for the towns’ residents who have been hit hard by COVID-19.