CHAIR of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated the need to continue strengthening bayanihan efforts for the country’s faster and more resilient pandemic recovery.

During the relief operations for residents in the cities of Caloocan and Valenzuela on Thursday, April 28, Go urged the 1,836 beneficiaries to remain vigilant and disciplined despite the gradual relaxation of restrictions in the country.

In his video message, he likewise encouraged those eligible to participate in the national vaccination program, saying, “Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19.”

“Nakikiusap din po ako sa mga local government units, sa ating national government, magtulungan po tayo. Kung kailangan po, suyurin natin ‘yung mga senior citizens at PWDs para po protektado sila,” he added.

The senator’s team conducted the distributions at the 3S Center in Karuhatan, Valenzuela City and Barracks covered court in Brgy. 186, Caloocan City. They handed out masks and meals and gave select individuals new pairs of shoes, computer tablets and bicycles.

Moreover, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to the residents.

“Alam ko pong mahirap ang panahon ngayon, nasa krisis tayo dulot ng COVID-19. Magtulungan lang tayo, magbayanihan ho tayo at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” remarked Go.

The senator then encouraged the beneficiaries to avail of the services of the Malasakit Centers should they need medical assistance.

As part of his commitment to improve healthcare services nationwide, Go primarily authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 to give poor and indigent patients convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by relevant agencies. To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers that have helped over three million Filipinos across the country.

The Malasakit Center in Caloocan City is located at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. In Valenzuela City, they are located at Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC) and Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital.

“Nasa loob na po ng hospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, at DSWD na handang tumulong po sa inyong maging zero-balance ang bill ninyo. Para po sa Pilipino ang Malasakit Center, sa poor and indigent patients po,” Go noted.

Finally, the senator thanked the local authorities for ensuring that their constituents are not left behind in the path towards recovery.

Also serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go was instrumental in the construction of a multipurpose building in Caloocan City. He also supported the acquisition of an ambulance unit and the construction of a seven-story Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence in Valenzuela City.

Earlier this month, the senator’s team distributed similar aid to fire victims, indigent residents and members of the youth sector in Caloocan City.