Continuous service to those in need

THE team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go organized a series of distribution activities in San Isidro, Davao Oriental from March 1 to 3 to provide relief to 3,000 struggling individuals, composed of solo parents, fisherfolk and persons with disabilities.

Held at the municipal gymnasium, the relief operations were conducted in strict compliance with the mandated health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Go’s staff grouped the residents in smaller batches and provided them with masks, vitamins and snacks. They also gave bicycles and new pairs of shoes to select individuals as well as computer tablets to help their children in their blended learning activities.

“Sa mga kabataan, para po sa inyo itong computer tablets. Mag-aral po kayo nang mabuti, kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito,“ expressed Go in a video message.

“Sasaya po ang inyong mga magulang kapag nakapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral. Iyan po ang puhunan natin sa mundong ito–edukasyon,” he added.

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided livelihood grants through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also assessed potential recipients for their respective assistance programs.

“Sa tulong ng mga programa ng inyong gobyerno, bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan at tuturuan po kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin n’yo po ang inyong negosyo, gamitin n’yo po sa tama, dalhin n’yo po sa inyong pamilya ang inyong kita,” the senator said.

In line with his commitment to look after the health and well-being of Filipinos, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged the residents needing medical attention to visit the Malasakit Center at Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

A one-stop shop, the Malasakit Center is designed for poor and indigent Filipinos to conveniently avail of medical assistance from DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide that have assisted over three million Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act.

The senator also took the opportunity to reiterate his appeal to everyone eligible to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible.

“Nasa datos naman po, ‘pag kayo po’y bakunado mas protektado po kayo sa grabeng pagkasakit ng COVID-19 at maiiwasan po ang pagkamatay ‘pag kayo po ay protektado. Ang bakuna lamang ang tanging susi o solusyon sa ngayon upang unti-unti tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” stressed Go.

The senator then acknowledged the hard work of all local leaders during these challenging times, saying, “Maraming salamat po sa inyong tulong at serbisyo sa panahon ngayon. Magtulungan lang ho tayo, mga kababayan ko.”

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also extended his support in the construction of slaughterhouse and flood control structure in San Isidro; construction or rehabilitation of the local roads in Baganga, Boston, Caraga and Cateel; installation of street lights in Banaybanay; construction of potable water systems in Baganga; and construction of the Davao Oriental Sports Complex and rehabilitation of Buso Hot Spring Park in Mati City.

“Patuloy akong tutulong, lalung-lalo na sa mga mahihirap. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Tuloy dapat ang serbisyo lalo na sa panahong hirap na hirap na ang mga kapwa nating Pilipino. Gagawin po natin ang lahat sa abot ng ating makakaya para magbigay ng tulong. Hindi po namin kayo pababayaan,” Go vowed.