Go ends 2020 giving aid to workers in Davao

Embracing the spirit of holiday giving, Sen. Bong Go spent Rizal Day in Davao City, distributing relief supplies to everyday workers who continue doing their jobs despite the ongoing pandemic.

He said he understands the hardships people have to go through during the pandemic, given the health protocols issued to control the spread of COVID-19.

The senator and his team distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to 328 workers, who included the caddies and umbrella carriers of the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Selected beneficiaries also received new shoes, bicycles they can use for work and tablets for several students.

Go, who serves as chair of the Senate committee on health, emphasized the importance of keeping workers and workplaces safe as he reminded everyone to wear masks and face shields, practice social distancing and observe proper hand hygiene at all times.

“Just be patient. A healthy body and a healthy community is the best gift we could give to our loved ones this New Year,” he said, noting that the poor and vulnerable will be in the priority list once the COVID-19 vaccines are made available.

He offered to assist beneficiaries and their loved ones who are in need of medical care, advising them to apply for government medical assistance at the Malasakit Center in the Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city.

Pioneered by Go, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where indigent patients can conveniently avail of aid from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The center’s primary aim is to reduce a patient’s hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering specific services and expenses.

During the activity, the DSWD and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also did its share in giving assistance to needy Filipinos.

“If there is anything that I and President could do to help, just tell us and we will do the best we can. Our services are tireless, especially now that Filipinos need us most,” Go assured.

The activity was carried out in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.