Sen. Go helps market vendors in Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines —  In the hope of alleviating the economic struggles of market vendors, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance to 618 beneficiaries in Consolacion, Cebu on Monday.

“Alam ko na kayong mga market vendors, hirap kayo sa inyong pagtitinda dahil sa pandemya. Kaya naman patuloy na umiikot ang aking staff para magbigay ng tulong sa inyo,” Go said in a video call.

The market vendors received meals, food packs, masks, face shields, and vitamins in a distribution activity held at the Pitogo Gym.

Juana Casinillo, one of the beneficiaries selling seafood in Consolacion, expressed her gratitude to the senator and President Rodrigo Duterte for the assistance provided to them.

Casinillo said that during the pandemic, the sales of seafood were low.

“Masyadong mahina ang benta (noong pandemya), parang napeke kami. Dahan-dahan lang kaming nagtitinda para makabili ng aming pangangailangan sa araw-araw,” she said.

“Salamat kay Tatay Digong at Kuya Bong Go dahil sa ibinigay na tulong sa amin,” she added.

While conducting the relief efforts, Go’s team ensured that the necessary health and safety protocols were strictly observed to avoid the further spread of COVID-19.

“Sumunod muna tayo sa gobyerno. Mag-social distancing, maghugas ng kamay at, kung hindi kinakailangan, ‘wag muna ng lumabas ng bahay,” the Senator reminded.

Some beneficiaries were provided with pairs of shoes while selected others were given bicycles for their commute to work as public transportation remains limited. Others were provided computer tablets for their children to use in their classes under the new blended learning approach.

“Sa mga estudyante, mag-aral kayong mabuti dahil ‘yan lang ang puhunan natin sa mundo, ang edukasyon. Pangalawa, ‘yan lang ang magpapasaya sa ating mga magulang na nagpapakamatay na magtrabaho para lang mapag-aral kayo nang maayos. Ikatlo, kayo ang kinabukasan ng bayan na ito kaya mag-aral kayo nang mabuti,” he reminded.

Go also assured the vendors that once a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 is available and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, he and President Rodrigo Duterte will prioritize the poor and the vulnerable.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the Senator also offered assistance to those who needed major medical operations. He also urged those suffering from medical conditions to seek assistance from the nearby Malasakit Center located at the Talisay City District Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, Lapu-Lapu District Hospital, and Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Talisay, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue City, respectively.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, PhilHealth, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are housed under one roof to provide poor and indigent patients convenient access to medical assistance.

“One-stop shop ito na nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno at handang tumulong sa inyo. Lapitan niyo lang po ‘yan dahil para talaga ‘yan sa mga Pilipino, sa mga poor and indigent patients,” Go said.

Meanwhile, representatives from the DSWD provided separate financial assistance to the market vendors. The Department of Trade and Industry also conducted an assessment on potential beneficiaries for its livelihood program while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority handled the profiling of beneficiaries’ qualifications for their special training to determine their future employment.

In his video call, Go also thanked the local government officials of Consolacion headed by Mayor Joannes Alegado for their continuing service to their constituents.

“Magtulungan lang tayo. Malalampasan natin ito. Magkaisa lang tayo sa iisang bansa. Magkaisa lang tayo,” Go said.

“Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin, ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” he ended.

In the past months, Go has extended aid to Cebuanos from different cities and municipalities in the province, such as the hundreds of landslide victims in Toledo City, and more than a thousand displaced workers, tour guides and boatmen in Moalboal. – (FREEMAN)