PASAY CITY, July 5 -- The Office of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go distributed additional aid to hundreds of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members in Caloocan City on July 2, Friday, as other concerned government agencies also provided assistance under their various programs for vulnerable sectors.

This is after Go personally visited the TODA members on June 30 to hand out his initial assistance to the first batch of beneficiaries. The TODA members were given face masks, face shields, vitamins and meals.

During the recent event, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted each beneficiary with separate forms of aid. The Department of Health had provided essential medicines during Go's physical visit while the Department of Trade and Industry conducted further assessment for qualified recipients of livelihood support.

Go acknowledged the struggles caused by the global pandemic as he gave recognition to another batch of beneficiaries composed of 790 TODA members who continue to provide for their families and help their communities amid these challenging times.

"Importante po ang mga TODA, tricycle drivers, mga jeepney drivers, mga trisikad, importante po… Kung wala sila, mahihirapan po tayo," he said.

"Ito pong sektor ng transportasyon, napakaimportante po nito sa ating ekonomiya. Kita niyo po kapag walang transportasyon, pilay po ang ating ekonomiya. Itong mga essential workers, economic frontliners, drivers, importante po ito sa ating lipunan kaya part na po sila ng ating priority list ng vaccination rollout ng ating gobyerno," he added.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, he also encouraged public transport workers to get vaccinated since they are now eligible under the national vaccination program. As economic frontliners, members of the transport sector are included in the priority groups under the A4 category.

"Magtiwala ho kayo sa bakuna. Ang bakuna lang po ang tanging susi o solusyon ngayon upang makamtan po natin 'yung herd immunity ngayong taon na ito," said Go.

"Eh, kung gusto niyo na pong makapamasada, gusto niyo na pong bumalik sa dating pamumuhay, pakiusap ko lang po sa inyo magtiwala ho kayo kay Pangulong Duterte. Magtiwala ho kayo sa ating gobyerno, ginagawa naman po ng gobyerno ang lahat," he ended.

The new set of beneficiaries also received grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins from Go's office. Necessary safety and health protocols were strictly enforced during the distribution.

To make certain that indigent students get better access to education, the Senator also provided computer tablets to some beneficiaries for their children's use. Select beneficiaries were also provided bicycles while others were given shoes.

As he only gets his income from being a tricycle driver, Gerardo Cena, in an interview, expressed his gratitude towards Go and his team for bringing aid, saying "tinutulungan ni Senator Go, 'yung mga driver, nagbibigay siya kahit papaano ng tulong. Maganda ang adhikain nila ni Presidente sa mga mahihirap dahil marami silang natutulungan at marami silang nagawa sa administrasyon ngayon."

The Senator also reached out to beneficiaries with health concerns as he advised them to visit Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital where there is a Malasakit Center that is ready to assist them with their medical expenses.

The Senator also acknowledged several local government officials for their persistent service to their constituents, especially during times of crisis. Among the officials were Representative Dale Malapitan, Executive Director V of the Council for the Welfare of Children Undersecretary Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, and Mayor Oscar "Oca" Malapitan, among others. (OSBG)

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