SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go’s team conducted a relief activity for various vulnerable sectors in Burgos, Ilocos Norte on October 25 and 26 as the Department of Social Welfare and Development separately extended livelihood assistance under its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

In his video message during the activities held at Burgos Agro-Industrial School, Go expressed his gratitude towards DSWD for the said assistance as this would significantly boost the confidence of the residents to start new business ventures amid the national health crisis. He asked the 380 recipients to use the livelihood grants to support their family during these challenging times.

“Salamat po sa DSWD sa mga programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang programang ito, mabibigyan ang mga nangangailangan ng puhunan, tuturuang magnegosyo, at tutulungang palaguin ito,” Go said.

“Mas masarap nga naman ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang pagnenegosyo sa tamang paraan. Dalhin ninyo ang kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin ngayon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go’s team provided meals, masks, face shields and vitamins to each beneficiary. They also gave bicycles and new pairs of shoes to select residents, as well as computer tablets that children may use to access educational materials.

The distributions were carried out in batches in strict compliance with other health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Malaking pasasalamat po namin sa mga tulong na natanggap po namin galing po kay Senator Bong Go at sa DSWD, marami po talaga silang natulungan ngayon. Para po kay Pangulong Duterte, the best ka po dahil kahit po pandemic ay andiyan ka po para magbigay ng mga tulong sa amin pong nasa probinsya na nahihirapan ngayon,” Joseph Almarez, 40, said in an interview.

Senator Go, as the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, appealed to the residents to get their complete doses against COVID-19 in accordance with the vaccination guidelines as this would not only protect them from the virus but would also contribute to the nation’s target of attaining population protection leading to herd immunity.

“Magpabakuna na ho kayo, mga kababayan ko, ‘pag nasa priority list na po kayo, libre naman po ito. Kung mahal niyo po ang inyong mga anak, ang inyong mga pamilya, magpabakuna na ho kayo,” Go appealed.

“Napatunayan naman po, ‘pag bakunado kayo, mas protektado po kayo at mas maiwasan po ‘yung pagka-grabe na sakit ng COVID-19 ‘pag bakunado po kayo,” he added.

He then encouraged them to visit any of the Malasakit Centers in the province located at Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City should they need assistance in their medical expenses.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na, isinulong ko po noon, pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte. Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno at tutulungan po kayo, ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, at DSWD. Zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Center,” said Go.

As part of his commitment to boost the economic recovery of the province, Go, who also serves as Vice Chair of Senate Committee of Finance, supported various projects in the province, including the construction of roads in Adams, Bangui, Currimao, Laoag City, Nueva Era, and Pagudpud; construction of farm-to-market roads in Badoc, Banna, and Piddig; and acquisition of ambulance units for Adams, Dingras, and Laoag City.

Concluding his remarks, Go recognized the hard work and determination of the local government officials for ensuring that their constituents are well-supported during these unprecedented times.