Pushes for unhampered delivery of public service amid pandemic

THE Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go mounted a two-day relief operation in Valenzuela City for 1,000 indigents on July 19 and 20, as part of his continuing efforts to support more Filipinos who are adversely affected by the ongoing global health crisis.

The distribution activities were held at the Karuhatan West Elementary School gymnasium where the senator’s team handed out masks and meals to each resident, and provided bicycles, phablets and shoes to select individuals.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

In his video message, Go advised the public to continue adhering to the government-issued health protocols and further encouraged those eligible to take part in the national vaccination program. He reassured that the national government is exerting great efforts to ensure that every Filipino is protected against the severe symptoms of COVID-19.

“Napakahirap po talaga ng panahon ngayon. Yung kalaban po natin na COVID-19 ay hindi nakikita kaya nakikiusap po ako sa inyo mga kababayan ko na patuloy lang ang inyong kooperasyon at suporta sa gobyerno at malalagpasan din po natin itong lahat,” expressed Go.

“Kapag ang bakuna po ay available na po sa inyong mga lugar at kayo po ay qualified na, nakikiusap po ako na magpabakuna na po kayo. Magtiwala po kayo sa gobyerno, magtiwala po kayo sa bakuna, ito ang susi natin sa ngayon upang makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay,” he appealed.

Go likewise offered additional help to residents with health concerns as he encouraged them to visit any of the 31 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila, including those at Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC) and Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital (VCEH), as part of the senator’s commitment to provide Filipinos convenient access to quality health services.

Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all hospitals administered and managed by the Department of Health, plus the Philippine General Hospital.

Likewise, hospitals run by local government units and other public hospitals may establish their own Malasakit Centers provided that they meet a standard set of criteria and guarantee the availability of funds for the operation of their centers, including its maintenance, personnel and staff training, among others. There are currently 151 Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than three million Filipinos nationwide.

“Kaunting tiis lang po at magtulungan po tayo. Suportahan po natin ang pandemic efforts ng bagong administrasyon dahil tiwala po ako na ipagpapatuloy at mas ipagpapabuti pa nila lalo ang nasimulan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” Go remarked.

“Ako naman po, asahan niyo na patuloy ang aking serbisyo sa inyo sa abot nang aking makakaya. Hindi man po katulad ng dati ang aking kapasidad, pero patuloy ko pa rin pong ipaglalaban ang inyong kapakanan dahil yun naman po ang aking trabaho,” he continued.

To help boost the city’s development even amid the pandemic, Go supported the construction of the Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence, acquisition of ambulance units for the city government, and the construction of a multipurpose building in Brgy. Canumay West.

The senator concluded his message by expressing his gratitude towards the local officials of Valenzuela City for their continuing service to help their community build back better.

On July 20, another team of Go separately provided assistance to fire victims in Brgy. Marulas in the city.