Senator assists thousands of indigent residents in Bataan, Tarlac

THE Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided relief to the indigent residents and displaced workers in Mariveles, Bataan from October 26 to 29 as part of his commitment to support the government’s efforts to address the economic and health challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.

In a video message, Go reiterated the importance of the protocols against COVID-19 as he warned that the restrictions on movement and gatherings will remain in place until case counts drop to more manageable levels.

“Kahit ano pa mang quarantine restrictions ang iimplementa natin, mas importante dito ang disiplina, pag-iingat, at kooperasyon ng lahat. Sumunod tayo sa mga itinakdang health protocols para maging matagumpay ang ating mga hakbang na mapigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 habang ibinabalik ang sigla ng ekonomiya,” appealed Go.

“Malaki ang epekto ng malinis na kapaligiran para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit. Kaya I encourage everyone to exercise diligence and keep your surroundings clean to protect yourselves, your loved ones and your communities,” he added.

Go’s team provided meals, grocery packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 9,173 beneficiaries at the Standard Factory Building No. 7 in Phase 1, Freeport Area of Bataan. They gave selected residents new shoes and bicycles for commuting, as well as computer tablets to help children with their studies.

Moreover, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

A similar effort was conducted for 10,790 workers of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan last October 12 to 15. All activities were conducted in batches to ensure strict compliance with the mandated protocols against COVID-19.

The senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, expressed concern during his message that the pandemic may have disrupted the provision of vital health services for the sick and other vulnerable groups. He offered his assistance so they can receive the treatment and medication they require without worrying about the expenses.

Go also advised them to seek further aid from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital or Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga City. The center is a one-stop shop for the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Meanwhile, Office of Senator Go conducted a five-day relief effort in Victoria, Tarlac from October 25 and 29 for those most vulnerable to COVID-19, such as the poor, disabled and the elderly.

In a video message at the activities, Go assured that the government continues to prioritize marginalized sectors and urged the public to adhere to the mandated health and safety protocols as an act of cooperation and compassion for others.

“Hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyernong palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Ipaglalaban namin palagi ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap lalo na ‘yung mga wala nang matakbuhan. Magtulungan tayo para masiguradong walang maiiwan sa muling pagbangon ng ating bayan,” said Go.

The senator’s staff distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 4,195 senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The activities were carried out in batches at the covered courts in Barangays Balayang, Balbaloto, Bangar, Mangolago and San Andres and Bulwagan in strict observance of the protocols against COVID-19.

Selected residents received new shoes while others received bicycles so they can easily commute despite the limited transportation options available. Some also received computer tablets to help their children with their blended learning activities.

Additionally, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each recipient with financial assistance as part of a continuing effort by government to alleviate the impacts of the pandemic for the most vulnerable.

“Gumagawa po ako ng mga miniature figurines at mga key chains. Ang hirap nung nagkapandemya kasi hindi ko mabili ‘yung mga kailangan ko at limitado ang galaw namin. Medyo nahinto tuloy ‘yung pinagkakakitaan ko at nauubos na ang savings namin. Pero nagpapasalamat kami sa aming mayor (Christian Yap), lalo na sa kanyang asawa, na tumutulong para maka-survive kami,” said Dominic Gamis, 41.

“Maraming salamat sa administrasyong ito dahil mas nabibigyan pansin na kaming mga may kapansanan. Gagamitin ko ang tulong na ito para makapagsimula muli at ipagpatuloy ang aking hanapbuhay,” he added.

From October 18 to 21, his team also provided aid to 9,000 micro-entrepreneurs and 2,000 indigent families in Tarlac City and Moncada.