THE team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance to a total of 193 public market vendors, marginal farmers and trisikad drivers whose sources of livelihood were severely hit by the ongoing pandemic in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.
The distribution activity was held at the Gingoog City Comprehensive National High School Covered Court where his team provided each beneficiary with a meal, food pack, vitamins, medical-grade and reusable masks, and face shields. Selected beneficiaries also received bicycles for their daily work commute.
Others were given tablets so their children can participate in classes under the blended learning approach while some received pairs of shoes.
“‘Yang computer tablets para sa mga estudyante, para sa distance learning nila, mag-aral kayo ng mabuti, ‘yan lang ang puhunan natin sa mundong ito, edukasyon at makapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” said Go.
“Pangalawa, ito ang nagpapasaya sa inyong mga magulang, konsuwelo sa kanila na nagtatrabaho para makapag-aral lang kayo. Pangatlo, kayo ang pag-asa ng bayang ito, kaya mag-aral kayong mabuti,” Go further reminded the youth.
The Senator, also chair of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged the difficulties of working through the pandemic and promised that poor and vulnerable workers, such as market vendors, would be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Furthermore, Go pledged to assist any indigent beneficiary who requires urgent medical treatment or services.
He informed them that they can also conveniently avail medical assistance through the Malasakit Center at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital both in Cagayan de Oro City.
The center is a one-stop shop which houses desk representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
As part of government’s intervention measures for those in distress, representatives from the DSWD were also at the activity to provide each beneficiary with financial assistance to help them pay for food, shelter and utilities, among others. The Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture and Employment, and Department of Trade and Industry committed to provide additional aid based on their existing programs upon completing their assessment of the beneficiaries.
The Senator recognized and thanked Mayor Erick Generales Cañosa and other local officials for leading the efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the city and for their untiring service to their communities.
He also shared with them that through his efforts, funding has been allocated for the construction of a multi-purpose building in Gingoog City which aims to benefit the locals.
“Ngayon, mayroon din tayo diyan na mga proyekto sa Gingoog, ‘yung construction of Multi-Purpose Building… para ‘yan sa inyo,” Go said.
“Kung ano pa ang maitutulong namin ni Presidente Duterte ay handa kaming tumulong sa inyo dahil tayong magkakapitbahay, tayong mga Bisaya, nandito lang kami lagi. Magdasal kayo palagi,” he added.
Ending his message, Go assured everyone that he and President Rodrigo Duterte will continue serving the country amid the current pandemic.
“Tandaan ninyo, minsan lang po tayo daraan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan ang puwede natin maitulong sa kapwa tao natin ay gawin na natin dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” he reassured.
The activities were carried out in strict observance of the government-issued health and safety protocols against COVID-19.
