Senator Christopher "Bong" Go sent his team to Hilongos, Leyte last Monday, 10 October, to provide assistance to its struggling residents.

In his video message, Go reiterated the need for stronger government efforts to hasten economic recovery. He likewise expressed confidence in the corresponding initiatives of the Marcos Administration.

Recognizing his first 100 days in office, Go commended President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for garnering high approval and trust ratings in the PUBLiCUS Asia's PAHAYAG third quarter survey.

Marcos Jr. got 62 percent approval and 58 percent trust ratings while VP Duterte received 66 percent and 62 percent approval and trust ratings, respectively.

Held at the Hilongos municipal gym, Go's team provided masks and snacks to 134 indigents. One of the beneficiaries also received a bicycle.

Meanwhile, as part of the government's interventions to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also conducted on-site assessments and provided livelihood support and scholarship grants, respectively, to those qualified.

Go, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, advised those with health concerns to visit any of the five Malasakit Centers in the province should they need assistance with their hospital expenses.

A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program was initiated in 2018 and was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which the senator principally authored and sponsored. The Act mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals, and Philippine General Hospital in Manila City, to establish their own centers to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the government.