IN line with his commitment to assist displaced and essential workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended aid to the members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association in General Luna, Quezon province who continue to risk their well-being on the frontlines of COVID-19 while providing services vital to their community.
Go’s personnel hosted an activity and provided aid to a total of 508 TODA members at the new Bulwagang May Puso covered court. They distributed meals, vitamin supplements, masks and face shields in batches while complying with health and safety protocols.
Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while others were given bicycles for their commuting needs. Some members were provided computer tablets so their children can better access educational materials while studying at home.
Aside from Go’s team, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided each beneficiary with financial assistance in keeping with government efforts to alleviate the impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable workers.
“Sobrang hirap ng buhay ngayon. Mahirap lumabas, mahirap maghanapbuhay. Ganon pa man, nagpapasalamat kami sa tulong na ibinigay ni Senator Bong Go. Napakalaking tulong nito dito sa aming bayan. Maraming, maraming salamat po, Senador!” said Serafin Garcia, 43, a tricycle driver.
In a video message to the beneficiaries, the Senator offered words of comfort and encouragement to the families of General Luna who are struggling with the challenges set off by the health crisis.
To help assuage their plight, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, offered his office’s assistance to any resident in need of medical treatment. He encouraged those struggling to pay their hospital and medical expenses to avail of government aid at the Malasakit Center located at the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop initiated by Go where patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Kung mayro’n po kayong mga pasyente na kailangan ng tulong o dalhin sa Maynila, magsabi lang kayo. Tutulungan namin kayo pati sa pamasahe. Handa kaming tumulong ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” he reassured.
The senator recognized the efforts of the national and local officials who are working together to address the impacts of the pandemic on their constituents. Among those present during the activities were 3rd District Representative Aleta Suarez, Governor Danilo Suarez, Vice Governor Samuel Nantes, 3rd District Board Member Donaldo Suarez, Mayor Matt Erwin Florido and Vice Mayor Jovito Red.
He also acknowledged City Councilors Melaica Batariano, Manuel Abarquez, Melquiesedec Zurbito, Remegio Agoncillo, Rolando Atienza, Manuel Suarez, Miguel Salvo, and Tomas Odiame.
“Magtiwala po tayo sa gobyerno. Ginagawa ng gobyerno ang lahat para tulungan kayo malampasan ang mga pagsubok na ‘to. Magsabi lang kayo at tutulungan namin kayo ni Pangulong Duterte sa abot ng aming makakaya. Hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon na magserbisyo sa inyo,” vowed Go.
Last January 16, his office also provided assistance to 1,000 residents from the towns of San Narciso and San Francisco who were affected by flash floods caused by Typhoon Quinta the previous year.
Recognizing their equally important contributions, the Senator also lauded essential workers whose roles allow society to weather the challenges brought by COVID-19.
“Kilalanin din natin ang kagitingan ng mga barangay workers, community volunteers, market vendors, drivers, mga magsasaka at mangingisda, mga ordinaryong manggagawa at iba pang mga Pilipino na nakikipaglaban rin para sa kalayaan—kalayaan mula sa sakit, kalayaan mula sa krimen, at kalayaan mula sa gutom at kahirapan,” he said.
