As he remains committed to helping vulnerable sectors cope with the challenges caused by the global health crisis, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded the public to make health their top most priority.
In a video message during the relief effort organized by his team in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on 16 August, Go, who heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged the public to remain supportive of the government’s pandemic efforts by participating in the national vaccination drive.
“Mga kababayan ko, dalawang taon na po tayong nasa pandemya. Kaya nakikiusap po ako sa inyo na huwag po maging kumpiyansa. Magpabakuna at magpabooster shots na po kayo dahil ang bakuna po ang tanging susi sa ngayon para makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay,” urged Go.
The senator then offered additional assistance to those with underlying medical issues and advised them to visit Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City and General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist them with their medical expenses.
The Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate to help particularly poor and indigent patients with their hospital bills and other health-related concerns. There are 151 operational Malasakit Centers nationwide so far.
“Huwag kayong matakot pumunta sa ospital kung wala kayong pera. Nasa loob na ng isang opisina ang mga ahensya na tutulungan kayo para wala na kayong babayaran. Hanapin nyo lang ang pinakamalapit na Malasakit Center sa lugar ninyo,” said Go.
The senator’s team distributed meals and masks to 1,000 Caviteños at the Dasmariñas City Arena. They also gave away cellular phones, bicycles, and shoes to select individuals.
Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development separately distributed financial aid.