SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, as part of his commitment to help vulnerable sectors cope with and overcome the pandemic, provided aid to 200 beneficiaries, composed of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte on Saturday, June 19.

“Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat, mga kababayan ko. Kumusta po kayo? Sana po’y nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Alam ko pong mahirap ang ating sitwasyon sa ngayon, nasa gitna pa po tayo ng krisis na dulot ng COVID-19,” Go greeted in a video message.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung hindi tayo lang po, kapwa nating mga Pilipino. Magbayanihan po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” he added.

Go further mentioned that essential sectors belonging in the A4 category such as economic frontliners can now be vaccinated, with the government’s continuing expansion of the national vaccination program.

He reminded those in priority groups such as seniors and PWDs who have not been vaccinated yet not to waste the opportunity of getting the protection they need against the virus through the available vaccines allocated for them.

“Habang unti-unting dumarating ang mga bakuna, at itong mga bakunang ito ay pinaghirapan po natin kaya magpabakuna po kayo. ‘Pag nandiriyan na po kayo sa priority list, magpabakuna na po kaagad kayo,” he said.

“Ang bakuna po ang susi o solusyon upang unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna, huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna. Matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19. Ang bakuna po ang susi at solusyon para unti-unti na nga po tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay katulad po noon kung saan po mayakap natin ang ating kapwa Pilipino,” he added.

Meanwhile, Go’s personnel conducted a distribution activity at the Hinunangan Covered Court where they grouped the beneficiaries into small batches to ensure the efficiency of the distribution and the safety of each recipient. As they adhered to the government recommended health protocols to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19, Go’s team distributed meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries.

Go also distributed bicycles to chosen participants to assist them with their commute. In addition, some recipients were given computer tablets for their children’s educational needs. Some also received new pairs of shoes from Go’s team.

Aside from the assistance provided by Go, several government agencies also extended support to the beneficiaries through their respective programs for vulnerable sectors in response to crisis situations.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided the beneficiaries with financial assistance. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry will evaluate beneficiaries who can benefit from their livelihood program, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will grant scholarships to qualified recipients after conducting their assessment.

In his video message, Go reminded the beneficiaries to remain vigilant by adhering to necessary health preventive measures against COVID-19, such as washing of hands, wearing of masks and face shields, maintaining social distance, and avoiding unnecessary travel as much as possible.

“Kung hindi naman po kailangan, huwag munang umalis ng pamamahay dahil delikado pa po ang panahon. At importante po mask, face shield, social distancing, at hugas po ng kamay,” reminded Go.

Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also assured those with health concerns that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from any of the 120 Malasakit Centers nationwide, particularly one located at the Salvacion Oppus Yñiguez Memorial Provincial Hospital in Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, authored and sponsored by Go, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2019. The law mandates the establishment of the centers in every DOH-run hospital nationwide and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

Other public hospitals can also establish their own Malasakit Centers provided they meet the standard set of criteria and guarantee the availability of funds for the center’s operation.

To improve public services and boost development in the region, Go helped in pushing for appropriate funding support for various infrastructure projects in Hinunganan including the upgrading of the Canipaan – Tawog – Matin-ao – Catublian Road; and the concreting of the Tabusan to Biasong Road.

In his message to the local community, he recognized the untiring service of their leaders, such as Representative Oping Mercado, Governor Damian Mercado, Vice Governor Coco Yap, Mayor Sonny Fernandez, Vice Mayor Junbie Fernandez, along with the rest of the local and barangay officials.

“Ingat po tayong lahat. Mga kababayan ko, magdasal po tayo parati. At tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” said Go.

“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 the same day, Go also sent similar assistance to TODA members and market vendors in Liloan and Bernard, Southern Leyte.