IN light of the ongoing pandemic, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted outreach efforts to assist thousands of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association and public market vendors in Binalonan, Pangasinan during a two-day aid activity from June 10 to 11.

Go’s personnel strictly implemented the government’s health safety and protocols as they distributed meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to 3,120 beneficiaries at the Ramon Guico Sr. Sports Complex and Civic Center. To safely carry out the event, Go’s team conducted the activity in small batches.

Selected beneficiaries were also given bicycles and new pairs of shoes while others received new computer tablets that would help their children participate in their educational activities under the blended learning set-up in schools.

The Senator, in his video message, asked the beneficiaries to continue cooperating with the government amid the crisis and assured essential sectors that they are prioritized in the ongoing vaccine rollout in accordance with the priority order.

He then urged essential workers including market vendors and the public transport sector not to hesitate and get vaccinated once supplies reach their localities given that the government recently expanded the vaccination program for the A4 category which they belong in.

“Mga kababayan ko, habang unti-unting dumarating ang mga bakuna, at itong mga bakunang ito ay pinaghirapan po natin kaya magpabakuna po kayo. Kapag nandidiyan na po kayo sa priority list, magpabakuna na po kaagad kayo. Ang bakuna po ang susi o solusyon upang unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go.

“Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19. Napakaimportante po ma-attain natin ‘yung herd immunity sa community, para po hindi na kumalat ang sakit na COVID-19,” he added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended its assistance to the beneficiaries through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

As Chair of Senate Committee on Health, Go, then, informed the beneficiaries who may need aid that there are now 118 Malasakit Centers all over the country which they can seek government medical assistance from. He urged Pangasinenses to go to the nearest Malasakit Center at the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City.

The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to bring the hospital bills of particularly poor and indigent patients to the lowest amount possible. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and PhilHealth join together in giving convenient and accessible access to government medical assistance.

Aside from the Malasakit Centers, Go mentioned that he supported various ongoing infrastructure projects throughout Pangasinan.

“Sana po’y makatulong po ito sa pag-unlad ng inyong probinsya,” Go said.

In his message, the Senator also lauded the local officials for their continuing support and service to their constituents amid the current public health emergency. He specifically thanked Representative Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Lambino, Mayor Ramon N. Guico, Jr., Vice Mayor Melicio F. Patague II, along with other local and barangay officials.

Go was made an adopted son of Pangasinan by virtue of a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on December 18.

“Maraming salamat po sa mga taga-Pangasinan. Salamat po sa inyong suporta sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte. Kami naman po’y naririto lang na handang magserbisyo po sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Ingat po tayong lahat mga kababayan ko at magdasal po tayo parati,” said Go.

“At tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy ho kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo. Dahil para po sa amin, ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” he ended.

On June 8 and 9, Go’s team distributed similar assistance to a total of 4,276 beneficiaries, composed of market vendors and TODA members in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.