In an effort to support the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go conducted a relief activity on Tuesday, 6 September, for the residents of Guiguinto, Bulacan who are struggling to cope with the impacts of the ongoing crisis.
The Senator's personnel distributed meals, canned goods, and masks to a total of 153 residents at the Guiguinto Central Elementary School. The activity was conducted in batches to ensure all protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed.
His staff gave select residents new pairs of shoes or bicycles which they can use for a more convenient commute. They also provided others with computer tablets.
Moreover, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out livelihood assistance grants in a separate distribution.
"Importante wala pong magutom. Sikapin natin maiahon ang ating mga kababayan mula sa hirap na dulot ng pandemya sa pamamagitan ng pabigay ng puhunan sa mga negosyo at pagpapalakas ng lokal na industriya," Go stressed earlier.
As part of his commitment to assist poor and indigent patients, the Senator offered additional assistance to those who need medical care for illnesses or injuries. He also encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City or Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Santa Maria.
The centers are one-stop shops which bring together the national agencies that can assist patients in reducing their hospital bills to the lowest possible amount. The agencies include the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Recounting his experiences working with underprivileged patients in Davao City when former president Rodrigo Duterte was still mayor, Go spoke of the need to address the financial hardships that patients face so they can receive needed medical attention.
"Nu'ng mayor pa si dating pangulong Duterte, marami po ang lumalapit sa kanya sa (Davao) city hall na nanggagaling pa as far as General Santos, Zamboanga, o Surigao para humingi ng tulong sa kanilang pampa-ospital. Sabi ng (Commission on Audit), hindi daw pwede gamitin ang pera ng Davao City dahil hindi sila residente," Go said in his speech.
"Kaya doon ko nakita 'yung puso ni dating pangulong Duterte sa mga mahihirap. Dahil hindi n'ya po matiis na tanggihan itong mga pasyenteng ito, dahil para sa kanya, Pilipino rin po ang mga ito… sabi niya — hanapan mo ng paraan 'yan. Hindi na ako uupo dito sa City Hall kung hindi ko sila matulungan. Doon ho nag-umpisa 'yung konseptong Malasakit Center," he further narrated.
"Sabi ko, bakit ba natin pinapahirapan ang mga kababayaan natin? Hirap na nga sila at may sakit, pinapahirapan pa. Sa totoo lang, pera naman ng lahat 'yan. Dapat ibalik ng gobyerno ito sa mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng maayos, maaasahan at mabilis na serbisyo," he continued.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The program has opened 151 centers nationwide since its inception in 2018.
On this note, the Senator recognized the local officials for their leadership and hard work during the pandemic.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has supported numerous infrastructure initiatives in the province to facilitate the development of the local industries and services. Among these were the construction of slope concrete river walls in Barangays Meysulao, Meyto, Bulusan, Santa Lucia, San Jose, San Miguel, and Sapang Bayan in Calumpit.
Go also supported the rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and construction of a multi-purpose building in Malolos City; construction of drainages; provision of medical equipment for local hospitals; improvement of the Pandi District Hospital; and concreting of a farm-to-market road in San Ildefonso; and many more.
