SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go personally assisted a thousand farmers in Tantangan, South Cotabato on Saturday, November 6 as he continues to advocate for more programs and efforts to help underprivileged areas and communities deal with the global pandemic.

In his message to the farmers, he urged them to participate in the government’s national vaccination program to ensure that their families and communities are protected from the harmful effects of COVID-19.

“Alam kong mahirap ang panahon ngayon, marami ang apektado ng dahil dito sa pandemya. Mayroon lang kaming pakiusap ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, pakiusap lang makinig kayo, five minutes lang itong pakiusap ko sa inyo,” said Go.

“Magtiwala kayo sa bakuna, wala ng ibang solusyon sa ngayon kung hindi itong bakuna,” he added.

Go and his team strictly enforced safety and health protocols during the distribution activity where 1,000 beneficiaries received COVID-19 essentials such as meals, masks, face shields and vitamins from the senator.

Some farmers received new pairs of shoes and bicycles that would help them with their commutes given the limited access to public transportation. In addition, selected residents were given computer tablets to help their children engage better during their classes under the blended learning approach.

The senator recognized several government agencies for providing support for the beneficiaries and other affected sectors based on their existing assistance programs. He emphasized the need for more government initiatives to help struggling communities amid the global health crisis.

To help them start possible small business ventures, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance while the Department of Agriculture distributed vegetable seeds.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs.

Go also advised those with health concerns to visit Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City or the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, where there are Malasakit Centers available to help them with their hospital bills.

The Malasakit Centers Act, principally authored and sponsored by Senator Go, mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients can conveniently get medical assistance from existing programs of the Department of Health, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go supported several government projects that will contribute to the continued growth of South Cotabato, such as the installation of solar-powered street lights in Koronadal City, construction of farm-to-market road in Surallah, and many more.

Concluding his message, the senator thanked several local government officials for spearheading the progression and development of their community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ngayon, kami ni Presidente Duterte ay handang magserbsiyo sa inyong lahat. Huwag kayong mahiyang lumapit sa amin dahil trabaho naman namin ‘yan ang magserbisyo sa inyo,” Go assured.

“Ang importante ngayon ay malampasan natin ang krisis ngayon. Kawawa ang mga Pilipino. Ako, nasasaktan ang puso ko kapag nakikita ko ang mga Pilipino na naghihirap. Pero huwag kayong mag-alala, ang gusto naming mangyari ngayon ni Pangulong Duterte ay unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay,” he ended.

After the activity, Go proceeded to General Santos City to aid 470 families who were affected by a fire incident on November 3.