The team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance to hundreds of families under the Retooled Community Support Program in Llorente, Eastern Samar on Thursday, June 17 as part of the Senator’s efforts to support conflict-affected local communities.
As they strictly adhered to the necessary safety and health protocols, Go’s staff conducted the relief operation at Brgy. Candoros Hall, where they assisted 143 families from Brgy. Candoros, 96 families from Brgy. Barobo, and 78 families from Brgy. Magtino.
Go’s team, then, distributed grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. In addition, some recipients received new pairs of shoes that they can use.
Gina Badaran, a 38-year-old housewife, shared how the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected their community as she expressed her gratitude towards Senator Go and his team for bringing aid, saying “maraming salamat po sa mga programang binigay niyo po sa amin at malaking tulong na po ito sa aming komunidad.”
In his video message, Senator Go also recognized several government agencies for extending their support in rebuilding struggling communities amid economic challenges caused by COVID-19 and local conflicts.
Through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to each beneficiary.
The Department of Trade and Industry assessed eligible recipients that would benefit from their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program. Likewise, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarship grants to qualified beneficiaries.
“Importante po ma-achieve po natin ‘yung herd immunity sa community po ngayong taong ito. Napakaimportante po ‘yung target natin ngayong taong ito upang hindi na po kumalat ang sakit na COVID-19. Magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan po tayo, mga kababayan ko,” Go reminded.
As an advocate for quality health care, the Senator advised the beneficiaries, particularly the poor and indigent patients, that there is a Malasakit Center in Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City that they may visit for their medical and hospital billing assistance.
Under the Malasakit Centers Act, all hospitals that are administered and managed by the Department of Health, plus the Philippine General Hospital, are mandated to have their own Malasakit Center that shall provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by concerned agencies, such as DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
To boost infrastructure development needed to also help address root causes of insurgencies in provinces, Go pushed for the funding of numerous projects in Eastern Samar, such as acquiring an ambulance unit in Arteche, road rehabilitation of Junction National Road in Dolores, construction of a multi-purpose building in Maydolong, and many more.
Several of the local government officials were commended by Senator Go for their service to their constituents during this time of crisis. Among the officials were Representative Maria Fe Abunda, Governor Ben Everdone, Vice Governor Maricar Sison, Mayor Boco Daniel, Vice Mayor Jonnie Condrada, and many more.
“Mga taga-Eastern Samar, tandaan po ninyo. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon. Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy hong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin po, ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” Go ended. (PR)
