Bong Go

Bong Go visits vulnerable sectors in Davao City

September 21, 2021 People's Tonight 458 views

Bong GoSHOWING his commitment to help more underprivileged Filipinos, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited his fellow Davaoeños and delivered assistance to struggling residents of Brgys. Mudiang and Buhangin Proper in Davao City.

In his speech in the relief activity in Brgy. Buhangin, Senator Go cited that the government continues to address poverty and other economic concerns amid the global pandemic. The Senator then appealed to the public to remain cooperative and disciplined as the government intensify its efforts in ending the ongoing crisis.

“Mayroon lang akong gustong ipaalala sa inyo, ako magkapitbahay lang naman tayo. Marami ang nahihirapan, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho, marami ang negosyo na nagsara ng dahil ito sa COVID-19. Hindi naman natin inaasahan na tatama ito sa atin ngayon kaya magtulungan lang tayo,” Go began.

“Suportahan ninyo si Pangulong Duterte, tulungan ninyo si Pangulong Duterte. Alam niyo na 76 anyos na ‘yan, matanda na ‘yan, pero nagsusumikap pa rin siya na atin malampasan ang krisis na ito,” he added.

Continuing his remarks, Senator Go, being the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged residents to participate in the national vaccination program, especially those who are part of the priority groups, so that the country achieves population protection and eventually herd immunity.

“Mayroon na tayong bakuna at unti-unti ng dumarating ang mga bakuna, magtiwala kayo sa bakuna, huwag kayong matakot sa bakuna. Ang bakuna lang ang solusyon o susi para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Wala naman nang iba,” Go appealed.

In line with his priority to look after the health and well-being of the Filipinos, the Senator advised the public to take advantage of the medical assistance programs offered in the Malasakit Center located at Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Go authored and sponsored the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The center’s primary aim is to help reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses.

“Kung mayroon kayong mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center, mayroon tayong pondo na iniwan diyan, lapitan niyo lang ang apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno,” said Go.

“Kapag mayroon pa kayong balance, tutulungan kayo ng Malasakit Center para wala na kayong babayaran, batas na ‘yan na isinulong ko na pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte, para talaga ‘yan sa mga mahihirap, para ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients,” he added.

To efficiently cater to a thousand residents, Go’s team conducted two separate relief efforts at the Brgy. Buhangin Gymnasium, as well as the Mudiang Elementary School Gymnasium in Brgy. Mudiang. They strictly implemented safety and health protocols to further protect the public from the threat of the virus.

Go’s team then handed out grocery packs, snacks, masks, face shields, and vitamins. They also gave new bicyles and pairs of shoes to other beneficiaries.

In line with his pledge to provide underprivileged students access to quality education, Go gave computer tablets to select recipients to give their children the advantage as they pursue their schooling under the blended learning set-up implemented in schools.

Jim Brian Odiaman, one of the beneficiaries, shared how an accident negatively affected his life. He then expressed his hopes to Senator Go of having his own livelihood as he strives to support his children with their education.

“Nagtrabaho ako sa isang private company noon, nagbago ang buhay ko noong naaksidente ako at naputol ang mga paa ko kaya ngayon wala na akong trabaho, nasa bahay na lang ako. Kaya maraming salamat kay Senator Bong Go at President Duterte. Maraming naitulong sa pandemya at sa lahat ng mga nangangailangan, malaki talagang tulong ito para sa lahat,” Odiaman shared in an interview.

“Kung puwede niya ako bigyan ng opportunity na makapagtrabaho ako, magtatrabaho ako para mayroon akong income, para mapag-aral ko ‘yung mga anak, para matustusan ko ‘yung pangangailangan nila. Hindi ako mawawalan ng pag-asa kahit na ganito ako,” he added.

Ending his remarks, Go also reaffirmed that his office is ready to listen and assist them with their concerns, saying, “huwag kayong mahiya na lumapit sa akin, kahit saan tayo magkita lapitan niyo lang ako, magtulungan lang tayo. Nandito lang kami ni Pangulong Duterte, babalik din kami dito sa Davao pagdating panahon,”

The Senator also extended his support to various projects in Davao City as part of his commitment as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance to help boost the economic development of the city.

Among the projects he supported are the construction of several drainage system and flood control structures in various barangays; the acquisition of an ambulance unit and the construction of 300-bed capacity Infectious Diseases Building for Southern Philippines Medical Center; the acquisition of dump trucks for Brgy. Mintal; and the construction of multi-purpose halls in various barangays.

Go recognized Rep. Paolo Duterte, Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and other local officials for their service and vowed his untiring support to their endeavors especially in helping those in need.

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