PASAY CITY -- As the COVID-19 crisis continues to disrupt the livelihoods of many Filipinos, an outreach team of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided aid to the residents of Davao City who are struggling to make ends meet.

Go called on the government to strengthen its programs that can help low-income households be better equipped to overcome poverty and thrive in a video message at relief activities in Barangays Acacia and Sasa on Friday, September 24.

"Huwag po natin pabayaan ang mga apektadong Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong. Malaking parte ng bumubuhay sa ating ekonomiya ang mga maliit na negosyo at manggagawa kaya tulungan natin silang buhayin ang kanilang negosyo at iahon ang kanilang mga sarili habang nasa panahon ng krisis ang ating bansa," said Go.

"Sa aking mga kababayan, 'wag kayong mag-alala dahil malalampasan din natin ang pandemyang ito basta't nagtutulungan at nagmamalasakit tayo. Gagawin namin ang lahat ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa abot ng aming makakaya para tulungan kayo," he reassured.

His outreach team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,000 indigent residents at their respective barangay covered courts. The activities were held in small batches to ensure all health and safety protocols were strictly adhered to.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while others were given bicycles so they can easily commute. Another set was provided computer tablets so their children can better participate in their school activities while under the blended learning set-up.

In addition, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were likewise present and distributed financial assistance to help alleviate the financial impacts of the pandemic.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered training to qualified beneficiaries seeking to develop their skills in other sectors. The Department of Trade and Industry also conducted assessments of residents in need of livelihood support.

The Senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Heath, offered further assistance to those in need of medical attention. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center which is open to serve all poor and indigent patients seeking to avail aid from the government.

To streamline the processes for requesting medical assistance, the Malasakit Center brings together under one roof the offices of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It seeks to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses.

The program was institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act, which Go principally authored and sponsored and President Duterte signed into law in December 2019.

On this note, Go took the opportunity to express his gratitude to various officials for their ongoing commitment, dedication and service. He thanked 2nd District Representative Vincent Garcia, Mayor Sara Duterte, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Councilor Che-Che Justol, Acacia Punong Barangay Marlito Laran and Sasa Punong Barangay Jerry Licarte, among others.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has supported an array of infrastructure initiatives to spur the economy, increase jobs, and create more services for the people of Davao City.

Among these are the construction of various multi-purpose buildings and local roads; rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city; as well as the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building and acquisition of ambulances, among others.

The previous day, September 23, Go's team also conducted similar activities at the Mandug Gymnasium and Callawa Elementary School where they distributed aid to 1,000 residents. (OSBG)

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