Bong Go’s office extends pandemic aid to residents of Piddig, Ilocos Norte

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s office distributed pandemic aid to residents of Piddig, Ilocos Norte during aid activities conducted on 27 and 28 October 27 and 28.

Go’s team strictly enforced safety and health protocols during the distribution held at Piddig National High School, in which 500 residents received COVID-19 essentials such as meals, masks, face shields and vitamins from the senator’s staff.

Some residents received new pairs of shoes, bicycles and computer tablets.

In a video message, Go acknowledged government agencies for providing support to the beneficiaries and other affected sectors based on their existing assistance programs.

He emphasized the need for more government initiatives to help struggling communities amid the global health crisis.

To help them start possible small business ventures, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted livelihood assistance to each of the beneficiaries through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Salamat po sa DSWD sa programang SLP-LAG. Bibigyan ho kayo ng puhunan, tuturuan ho kayong magnegosyo. Palaguin n’yo po ang inyong negosyo. Mas masarap po ang pakiramdam ‘pag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan n’yo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he said.

“Dalhin n’yo po ang inyong kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin ngayon,” said Go.

He also advised those with health concerns to visit the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City where there are Malasakit Centers to help them with their hospital bills.

The Malasakit Centers Act, principally authored and sponsored by Go, mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to ensure that indigent patients can conveniently get medical assistance from existing programs of the Department of Health, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go then mentioned several government projects that he supported that will contribute to the continued growth of Piddig, such as the concreting of farm-to-market roads and procurement of medical equipment for Piddig District Hospital.

Concluding his message, the senator thanked local government officials for spearheading the progression and development of their community amid the Covid-19 pandemic.