Bong Go bares Christmas incentives for barangay officials

MANILA, Philippines — As Christmas nears, Sen. Bong Go announced that barangay officials will receive Christmas incentives from the government.

“To our barangay captains, you will receive a gift from President Duterte for Christmas, just like last year. This is an incentive. I know that people run to you – help them. It should be ‘service first’,” he said in Filipino in a video message.

He reminded village leaders to continue safeguarding the rights and welfare of their constituents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are counting on you in all problems in the barangay. We made good the promise to postpone the barangay elections to December 2022, now we are asking you to take care of your constituents,” Go added.

His office recently distributed assistance to 1,000 flashfloods victims in Gumaca, Quezon, providing them with free meals, food packs, masks and face shields.

The recipients were residents of barangays Panikihan, Hagakhakin, San Vicente, Camohaguin, Biga, Butaguin, Manlayaan, Villa Arcaya, Rosario, Villa Perez, Villa Bota, Mabini, Labnig, Bamban, Bagong Buhay, Buensuceso, Pipisik, Villa Nava, Peñafrancia, Progreso, Batong Dalig and San Agustin.

The distribution, held at the Gumaca West Elementary School, was conducted in strict compliance with health protocols.

Go reminded the public to strictly adhere to health and safety protocols to put a stop to the spread of COVID-19. These include avoiding unnecessary activities outside residences, social distancing and hand washing.

He assured the poor and vulnerable sectors they will be prioritized once a vaccine is available and certified safe against the COVID-19 virus.

Aside from the usual relief packs, Go’s team also gave bicycles to selected recipients to help them in their daily commute to work as well as tablets for some students who need help with their online classes.

This is aside from the cash assistance and food packs the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave to the victims.

“The most important thing is none of you got hurt,” Go said as he expressed his concern for the flashflood victims, assuring them that his office is always open to extend assistance.

Prior to the distribution of aid to flood victims in Gumaca, Go also sent similar assistance to 4,000 flashflood victims in Lucena City, also in Quezon province.