PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go continues to partner with the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Special Committee of the government to bring government programs and services closer to those in need.

The AHON Convergence program aims to unify the guidelines of government agencies in ensuring the efficient and coordinated provision of immediate, adequate, and appropriate support to communities affected by disasters and emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am honored to be with you for the ceremonial signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular. This is a welcome step forward in solidifying and harmonizing the guidelines of the many aid activities of our government agencies and offices not only during times of disasters and emergencies but also in helping many of our affected countrymen from the effects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic," Go said in his video message on Monday, October 4.

Earlier proposed by Senator Go to the concerned executive agencies, AHON Convergence Program is an inter-agency initiative that was institutionalized as a platform for enhanced and unified delivery of aid and social services to the most-affected communities nationwide to help them recover from difficulties brought about by crisis situations.

AHON committee shall establish and sustain a Convergence Information System containing a database of verified individuals, families, communities, cities, municipalities, and provinces identified as beneficiaries of the program.

Among the agencies and departments involved are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

"I acknowledge, commend, and thank all the agencies and offices involved in the AHON convergence program. Again, thank you to everyone behind this effort, for your service and dedication, in order to help our countrymen who need the help of the government," Go said.

"Indeed, you have not only shown but demonstrated repeatedly that it is possible for government agencies to come together, unite and pool all their manpower, resources, and programs so that government service delivery can be done in a more expeditious, holistic, and effective manner," he continued.

According to Executive Order No. 137 that was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last May, AHON's component programs shall include food and non-food relief items; livelihood assistance and interventions; educational assistance; burial assistance; transportation assistance; employment assistance; medical and health assistance; direct financial assistance; and infrastructure for preparedness and rehabilitation phase.

The military and the police are also mandated to assist the committee in the delivery of humanitarian support. In addition, all departments, bureaus, and offices, as well as local government units, are encouraged to support and cooperate with the committee.

"Napakalaking tulong po ng mga programa ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa panahon ngayong marami sa ating mga mamamayan ang nahihirapan dahil sa pandemya," Go mentioned.

"Asahan po ninyo ang patuloy na pakikipagtulungan at suporta ng aking opisina sa mga adhikain ninyo. Magbayanihan at magtulungan po tayo para sa Pilipino," he ended. (OSBG)

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