Go: Get vaxxed, boosted as unemployment drops
I am also begging the LGUs, our national government, let’s work together. If necessary, we will inspect the senior citizens and PWDs so that they are protected
Daily TribuneI am also begging the LGUs, our national government, let’s work together. If necessary, we will inspect the senior citizens and PWDs so that they are protected
While praising the decline in the unemployment rate, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged eligible Filipinos to get vaccinated and boosted against Covid -19 to hasten the country's economic recovery.
Higher vaccination rates, he said, resulted in more relaxed health protocols, in effect, opening up more sectors of the domestic economy and bringing in more economic opportunities.
"I am happy that the number of people losing their jobs is decreasing, they can return to normal work," Go in an ambush interview after personally providing aid to residents in Malvar, Batangas on 8 December
He added: Because this is part of our vaccination program, what former president (Rodrigo) Duterte did to gradually open the economy… when vaccinated, we are more protected, we can return to our normal lives."
The gradual reopening of the economy, he said, led to the creation or return of jobs for Filipinos, which in turn has reduced the unemployment rate.
A recent Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the unemployment rate in the country dropped from 5 percent in September to 4.5 percent in October of 2022 — a decrease from 3.5 million unemployed Filipinos last year to 2.24 million in October.
"That's why I am calling on our countrymen to get vaccinated when you are qualified for booster shots. Don't waste the opportunity," he said. "There are many vaccines in the government, the others are already expiring. If you are already qualified, get a booster."
Meanwhile, Go assisted residents of Alitagtag, Batangas on 7 December.
The relief operation was held at the Alitagtag municipal gymnasium where the senator's team distributed snacks and masks to a total of 1,666 struggling Batangueños. They also gave away bicycles, shoes, and phablets to select residents.
Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial aid to the residents under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
He urged eligible Batangueños but unvaccinated to participate in the national inoculation program to better protect themselves from the virus.
"I am also begging the LGUs, our national government, let's work together. If necessary, we will inspect the senior citizens and PWDs so that they are protected," he said.
The vaccine, he said, is the only key or solution so that we can gradually return to our normal lifestyle.
"Don't be afraid of the vaccine, be afraid of Covid-19," he added.
He also encouraged those in need of medical care to visit Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City or Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist them with their medical-related expenses. To date, there are 153 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
