SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go extended emergency assistance to the families of Bgy. 8 in Lucena City, Quezon, who were forced to flee after flashfloods caused by heavy rain swept through their area. An outreach team from the senator’s office met with residents and carried out the first of two aid distribution activities on Saturday, October 10.
“Huwag ho kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa amin dahil trabaho po naming magserbisyo sa inyo. Alam kong hirap kayo. Konting tiis pa po at mag ingat tayo,” Go said in a video call.
“Kami ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte, sa abot ng aming makakaya, ay patuloy na magseserbisyo. Gagawin namin ang lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya. Sino pa bang magtutulungan kundi tayong mga PiIipino?” he added.
Go’s team distributed meals, food packs, masks and face shields to a total of 150 beneficiaries. Select residents from the poorest of the poor were also gifted with either bicycles or tablets. Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were likewise present to distribute financial assistance and additional food packs.
“Mayroon po akong mga ipinadalang konting tulong sa inyo at saka mga mask at face shield. Pakiusap ko sa inyo, gamitin ninyo po ito dahil delikado pa ang panahon at hindi pa normal ang sitwasyon,” said Go.
Go, who serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also reminded the Quezon residents to comply with other health and safety protocols issued by the government, such as social distancing and frequent hand washing, in order to protect themselves from the virus.
The senator vowed that the poor and vulnerable sectors would be prioritized under the government’s COVID-19 vaccination program so they may safely return to work and rebuild their lives.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala, kapag mayroon na pong safe at certified na vaccine, uunahin namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang mahihirap para makabalik na tayo sa normal na pamumuhay kung saan pwede po nating mayakap ang ating kapwa Filipino,” he reassured.
Go offered further assistance to beneficiaries who required medical treatment, and urged those with hospital bills to apply for government aid at their local Malasakit Center in the Quezon Medical Center.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients may conveniently ask for medical and financial assistance from the Department of Health, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go served as the main proponent of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
Go spoke to the students affected by the pandemic and flashfloods and encouraged them to remain focused on their studies despite the ongoing crises.
“Sa mga estudyante, pakiusap ko lang po, mag-aral kayong mabuti, ‘yan lang ang nagpapasaya sa ating mga magulang. Alam ninyo, kaligayahan naming mga magulang kapag nakikita namin ang mga anak namin na nag-aaral at makatapos,” added Go.
“Ang mga magulang ninyo ay nagpapakamatay para lang kayo ay makapag-aral kaya bilang ganti, mga estudyante, mag-aral kayong mabuti para ang ating mga magulang ay sumaya naman,” he finally said.
