CHAIR of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his appeal to further accelerate the rollout of vaccines against COVID-19, including booster shots, in far-flung communities to ensure further protection of more Filipinos.

In his video message during a relief operation mounted in Tanauan City, Batangas on Thursday, May 5, Go urged the national government to ensure that supplies of vaccines are immediately delivered to local government units. He also asked the local leaders to continue strengthening their vaccination efforts and raising vaccine confidence in their respective communities.

“Alam ko po na mahirap ang panahon ngayon pero ang bakuna po ang ating tanging susi o solusyon sa ngayon upang makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” Go underscored.

“Tayo po sa gobyerno, siguraduhin natin na hindi po nasasayang ang mga vaccines na ating pinaghirapan kunin. Kaya naman ipadala na ang mga bakuna lalo na sa mga mahihirap na lugar,” he reiterated.

The senator then asked the 833 indigents in attendance at the Gymnasium 1, Poblacion 1 to remain cooperative with the government’s pandemic efforts and encouraged them to participate in the national inoculation drive.

Go’s staff faithfully observed the necessary health protocols and split the beneficiaries into smaller groups before distributing meals and masks.

The team also gave new pairs of shoes and bicycles to select individuals and provided phablets to others.

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

As an adopted son of CALABARZON, Go reached out to his fellow Batangueños with health concerns and advised them to visit Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery where there are Malasakit Centers available to assist them with their hospital bills.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings all concerned agencies under one roof, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to help poor and indigent patients. There are now 151 operational centers nationwide that have assisted over three million Filipinos.

“Batas na po ‘yan, isinulong ko noon, pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte, para po ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar,” expressed Go, who primarily authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and a staunch advocate of quality healthcare, Go supported the rehabilitation of Dr. Ernesto Malabanan Memorial Hospital and the construction of Laurel Memorial District Hospital in Tanauan City.

Last April 25, Go’s team visited the towns of Nasugbu and Calaca and provided similar assistance to 333 struggling residents.