Bong Go

Bong Go urges gov’t to strengthen aid efforts for poor

March 12, 2022 People's Journal 267 views

Solon gives relief to indigent families in Macabebe, Pampanga

AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exact a toll on the economy, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on the government to ensure the efficient delivery of aid to vulnerable groups, particularly families that were affected by job losses and livelihood disruptions.

He underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation across the government in addressing their various needs and concerns during a video message at a relief operation in Macabebe town, Pampanga on Thursday, March 10.

“Mahirap ang sitwasyon ngayon. Nasa krisis tayo dulot ng COVID-19 at marami ang nawalan ng trabaho. Marami ding nagsara na negosyo at overseas Filipino workers ang umuwi,” Go pointed out.

“Ang bawat isa na ito ay mayroong pamilyang binubuhay. Kaya dapat mas paigtingin pa natin ang ating pagseserbisyo lalo na ngayong panahong nangangailangan ang mga Pilipino. Hindi pwede ang papatay-patay sa gobyerno. Magtulungan tayo at ‘wag patulugin ang ating trabaho,” he appealed.

The senator’s team distributed meals and masks to a total of 803 indigent families. The activities were carried out in batches at the Macabebe Hidden Paradise Training Center in Barangay San Francisco, in compliance with the health protocols.

Select beneficiaries also received new pairs of shoes or bicycles for their daily commute. Others received computer tablets to help their children with their school activities.

In addition, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial assistance as part of a continuing effort of the government to assist low-income communities on the frontlines of the pandemic.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded the public to follow the protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 so hospitals can work efficiently amid the pandemic . He offered to assist those seeking medical treatment and advised them to visit their nearest Malasakit Center where they may obtain further aid for their expenses.

To improve access to healthcare services, Go had authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law provides for the establishment of one-stop shops which provide convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Kaya lumalala ang kondisyon ng maraming Pilipino dahil ayaw nilang magpa-check up at wala silang pambayad. Pero ngayon wala ng dahilan para hindi tulungan ang mga kapuspalad na pasyente. Kung may balanse kayo sa ospital, lapitan niyo ang Malasakit Center at hindi niyo na kailangang mangutang o mag-sangla,” reassured Go.

A Malasakit Center has been established each at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando City.

Finally, the senator thanked Mayor Leonardo Flores, Vice Mayor Annette Balgan and other public officials for their tireless efforts amid these trying times. He pledged his continuing support to the Kapampangan people, his team having recently provided aid to 1,471 residents in Guagua town.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also helped improve the delivery of key public services in the province. He supported the construction of a farm-to-market road in Brgy. Caduang Tete, construction of a multipurpose building or area in Barangays Santa Cruz and Santa Lutgarda, and acquisition of medical equipment for the Domingo B. Flores District Hospital in Macabebe.

He likewise supported the purchase of new equipment for other hospitals in San Fernando City and the towns of Arayat, Bacolor, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Porac and San Luis; and construction of multipurpose buildings in Arayat, Candaba, Floridablanca, Santa Monica, Magalang and Masantol, among others.

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