Bong Go

Bong Go calls for more gov’t interventions to ensure inclusive economic recovery

March 29, 2022 People's Journal 274 views

AS more economic sectors reopen following the de-escalation of many areas across the country to COVID-19 Alert Level 1, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for greater government support to low-income households that continue to suffer from work-related disruptions and income reduction.

Go urged the government to strive for an inclusive recovery by ensuring that the poor and vulnerable have the resources they need to get back on their feet. He made his appeal in a video message during an activity in Tanay, Rizal on Saturday, March 26.

“Pakiusap, huwag nating pabayaan ang mga kababayan natin, lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap, dahil tayo lang ang matatakbuhan nila. Balansehin natin ang pag-ahon ng ating ekonomiya. Unahin natin ang buhay at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino para masigurong walang maiiwan tungo sa ating muling pagbangon bilang isang mas matatag na bansa,” said Go.

The senator’s team distributed meals and masks to 333 residents in batches at the Tanay municipal hall. They also provided select individuals with new shoes, a bicycle and computer tablets to help address other pandemic-related challenges.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial assistance to help mitigate the adverse impacts of the ongoing crisis.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go pledged to continue working closely with the government to protect the health and well-being of Filipinos by expanding access to affordable healthcare. He encouraged the sick and elderly to visit the nearest Malasakit Center where they may conveniently avail of the medical assistance programs offered by the government.

The primary aim of the Malasakit Center is to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses. There are currently 151 centers nationwide, the closest of which are located at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan.

“Sa mga pasyente dito, hindi niyo po na kailangang bumiyahe para pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina para makahingi ng tulong mula sa gobyerno. Kung may bill kayo, ilapit niyo lang ‘to sa Malasakit Center. Wala itong pinipili. Basta poor at indigent patient ka, qualified ka,” said Go, who primarily authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Hindi niyo na kailangang mahirapan dahil sa totoo lang, pera niyo naman ‘yan. Binabalik lang ito sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mabilis at maayos na serbisyo mula sa Malasakit Centers,” he explained.

Concluding his remarks, the senator thanked 2nd District Representative Juan Fidel Nograles and other local officials for their continuing service and dedication. He pledged to push for more programs, projects and initiatives that will benefit local communities in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

An adopted son of the CALABARZON region, Go had previously supported the construction of the Taytay Sports Complex, Justice Building in Antipolo City, and Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez.

Other major initiatives across the province include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono; construction or improvement of new roads and a multipurpose building in Baras; rehabilitation of a road, drainage system, slope protection and flood control structures in Rodriguez; and purchase and installation of street lights in San Mateo.

Last March 4, the senator’s team extended similar aid to 41 new land title holders in Barangay Santa Ana, Taytay. All activities were conducted in compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

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