Go promotes vaccination, brings services closer to Pasay workers

MANILA, Philippines — Off the campaign trail, Sen. Bong Go continued full steam ahead with promoting the government’s COVID-19 response program, particularly vaccination, and providing assistance to those disadvantaged by the pandemic in Pasay City.

Last Tuesday, Go visited the Villamor Air Base Golf Course (VABGC) in Pasay City to meet with its workers who had been adversely affected by the health crisis and determine how best to help them.

The senator and his staff distributed food packs, vitamins, meals and masks to a total of 521 golf caddies and other employees of the golf course at an open venue under stringent health and safety protocols.

His team also gave select recipients new shoes and bicycles for commuting and provided others with computer tablets to help their children who are studying under the blended learning approach.

Go heralded the administration’s success in bringing down the number of new cases in recent months, boosting strategic vaccination of citizens, and paving the way for the reopening of the economy.

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope we slowly get back to our normal way of life. It is important that we trust the government and not to be afraid of the vaccines because it is our only solution in these times,” the senator said in Filipino.

He expressed optimism that the infection rates would continue to go down through the cooperation and discipline maintained by Filipinos.

“It is necessary that while we get vaccinated, we still wear masks and avoid crowds. Remember that COVID-19 is still around, making life difficult,” he said.

Go, who had just withdrawn his candidacy for president despite having the backing of President Duterte, had the support of various government agencies during his visit to Villamor.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended financial assistance to workers hardest hit by the pandemic, while Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officers evaluated potential beneficiaries of its livelihood assistance program.

The Department of Health (DOH), for its part, distributed vitamins and additional masks, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) gave away vegetables.

Go also offered assistance to those who wished to return to their provinces and start anew in their own hometowns.

He encouraged these individuals to apply for the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) program which offers a tailored assistance package for each beneficiary household and includes livelihood and/or housing support.

The program was created under Executive Order No. 114 which Duterte signed in May 2020. The EO was issued following Senate Resolution No. 380, which Go introduced to urge the executive department to implement a program that would decongest Metro Manila and promote robust development in provinces.

“Those who wish to start a new life in their province, we promise to help you. Well give you work or livelihood,” said the senator. “If there is socialized housing in your province, we will help get you on the list.”

Also, Go advised those in need of medical care to visit the Malasakit Center at the Pasay City General Hospital, the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City or any of the other 29 centers established in Metro Manila to receive all the available assistance government can afford them.