SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated as his team distributed assistance to indigent residents in Taguig City on Friday, May 6. He emphasized that while the country moves closer to recovery, Filipinos must remain vigilant and protect themselves by getting fully vaccinated complete with booster shots once eligible.

The distributions took place at the Holy Family Covered Court in Barangay Bagumbayan where Go’s team handed out masks and meals to 1,166 residents. They also provided shoes, bicycles, cellphones and computer tablets to select individuals.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, extended financial support through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

“Mga kababayan ko, sana po ay nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Alam ko po no mahirap pa rin po ang panahon ngayon dulot ng COVID-19 pero nakikiusap po ako sa inyo na kaunting tiis na lamang po at malalagpasan din po natin ang krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang Pilipino,” Go encouraged in his video message.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he underscored the need for the eligible residents to get inoculated and boosted against COVID-19 to safeguard themselves and their respective communities from the virus.

Although vaccination remains voluntary, Go once again urged those qualified to get jabbed, noting how the government’s national vaccination program has significantly helped in the decline of active COVID-19 cases in the country.

“Nakikita naman po natin na bumababa na ang mga kaso ng COVID-19 at patunay lamang ito na talagang ang bakuna ang tanging susi at solusyon sa ngayon upang malagpasan natin ang pandemyang ito. Kaya nakikiusap po ako sa inyo na magpabakuna na po kayo, libre lang naman ito mga kababayan ko,” Go said.

“Kung mahal niyo po ang inyong pamilya, kung mahal niyo po ang inyong mga anak, isipin niyo po ang kaligtasan niyo at magpabakuna na po kayo. Kahit po bumababa na ang mga aktibong kaso, importante pa rin po na kayo ay protektado lalo na sa mga severe symptoms nitong COVID-19,” he stressed.

Go also offered additional assistance to those in need of medical care. He advised them to visit any of the 31 Malasakit Centers across Metro Manila, including the one at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital should they need medical assistance from the government.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently avail of medical aid from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers that have helped over three million Filipinos nationwide. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has likewise extended his support to several initiatives across Metro Manila, such as the acquisition of ambulance units for Taguig City.

In the end, Go recognized the dedication and hard work of the local officials. He also guaranteed all Filipinos of tireless public service from him and President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Salamat po mga kababayan ko, ingat po kayo. At ako po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go, nandirito lang po na handang magserbisyo po sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya at kasama ang ating mahal na Pangulo. Salamat ha, ingat kayo,” he concluded.

On April 19, the senator’s team also delivered assistance to 53 families affected by fire incidents in Brgys. New Lower Bicutan and Calzada Tipas, Taguig City.