THE Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance to several boxers in Ifugao identified by the Games and Amusement Board.
“Sa mga boksingero po diyan, alam ko pong apektado kayo ng pandemya, kaunting tiis lang po. Patuloy kaming umiikot para makapagbigay ng tulong sa inyong mga boxers na nawalan po ng trabaho sa panahong ito,” Go told the boxers in a video call.
One of the professional boxers, Carl Jammes Martin, recalled his heydays when he held the World Boxing Council, WBC Continental, World Boxing Association Asia, World Boxing Organization Oriental bantamweight division belts.
“Wala po akong talo,” Martin said in an interview. Yet, the athlete also expressed how hard it was for him to get by after the pandemic hit.
“Sobrang hirap po dahil po sa pandemic na dumating, marami po naghihirap talaga,” Martin said.
“Marami pong nangangailangan ng tulong sa aming mga boxer katulad po nitong tulong na ito. Malaking tulong po ito para sa amin at maiabot namin sa pamilya namin. Syempre, sa makakain din po namin. Maraming salamat po kay President Duterte at Senator Bong Go po,” Martin added.
Go highlighted that, as the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, he will continue to bring attention to the plight of athletes in the Senate and concerned agencies to explore possible solutions so they can resume their trainings and competitions abroad.
The boxers were provided with meals, food packs, masks, face shields, and vitamins so they can protect themselves from COVID-19 in a distribution activity held at the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) conference room in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Ifugao Office in Lagawe.
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, Go’s team also made sure necessary health protocols were strictly observed during the distribution activities. This is to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and other diseases.
During the event, a chosen beneficiary was given a new pair of shoes while another recipient received a bicycle to help in their daily commute amid the pandemic. Another beneficiary was provided with a computer tablet for their children to use in the blended learning set-up being implemented in schools.
Go also offered to assist those in need of medical care. He informed residents that they can also conveniently avail medical assistance from government through the nearest Malasakit Centers at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad and Far North General Hospital and Training Center in Luna, Apayao.
Representatives from the DSWD also distributed additional financial assistance to the beneficiaries, while the Department of Trade and Industry assessed potential recipients for their livelihood program.
Additionally, the Department of Agriculture assessed the boxers eligible for their financial and livelihood grants.
Go also recognized the local government officials for their untiring support and service to their constituents. He thanked Representative Solomon Chungalao, Mayor Martin Habawel, Jr., and Vice Mayor Reynold Kimayong during his message to them.
“Basta kami ni Pangulong Duterte, patuloy kaming tutulong sa inyong mga atleta. Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo. Dahil para sa amin, ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” he added.
