Cebuanos get aid from Go
CEBU, Philippines — Forty-seven residents from around the province of Cebu have received assistance from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
An outreach team from Go’s office delivered essential aid to these beneficiaries during an aid distribution event held on Tuesday, September 22, at the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cebu City.
“Nabalitaan ko kung ano ang nangyari sa inyo. Wala daw nakatanggap ng [Social Amelioration Program] kaya naman kinausap ko ang [DSWD]. Ito ‘yung tinatawag na Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). Kinausap ko sila dahil mayroon tayong programa sa national government para makatulong kaagad sa inyo na makapagbigay ng cash assistance at food pack,” said Go.
The beneficiaries were provided with meals, food packs, and vitamins.
They were also given medical-grade and reusable masks and face shields to help encourage everyone to do their part in preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
Also, select residents from the poorest sections of the community were gifted with bicycles so they can easily and securely commute to work.
DSWD representatives also gave cash aid and additional food packs to the residents through its AICS program.
The event was held in compliance with the necessary guidelines for outdoor gatherings.
Moreover, the senator offered to provide assistance to beneficiaries who need medical treatment.
Go urged them to visit any of the five Malasakit Centers in the province.
These are Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City.
“Kung sino ang kailangan mag pa-hospital, mayroon tayong (lima) na Malasakit Centers sa Cebu,” he said.
“Kung hindi sa Malasakit Center at kailangan mag pa-opera, sabihan ninyo lang po ang aking staff, ako ang tutulong sa inyo, ako magpapa-opera sa inyo at ako ang magbabayad sa ospital ninyo kung kailangan ninyo magpa-opera o kailangan ng tulong. Basta, puntahan ninyo lang ako,” he added.
The Malasakit center is a one-stop shop wherein people may directly apply for medical and financial assistance from various government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Kung ano ang maitutulong ko sa inyo, magsabi lang kayo. Huwag kayong mahiya magsabi sa akin dahil parehas naman tayong Bisaya. Kami po ay magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” said Go.
“Patuloy po tayong magbayanihan at magmalasakit sa isa’t isa. Huwag natin pabayaan ang mga kababayan nating naghihirap. Magtulungan tayo upang malampasan ang krisis na ito bilang isang nagkakaisang bansa,” he added.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded everyone of the importance of following health and safety rules and protocols to keep themselves and everyone else safe.
“Magsuot kayo ng masks, face shields, mag-social distancing at huwag kayong lalabas ng bahay kapag hindi naman kailangan. Maghugas rin kayo ng kamay lagi at may pinadala din ako na mga gamot sa inyo,” said the Senator.
Solidarity, Compassion
On the other hand, he called on Filipinos to show solidarity amid the challenges caused by the COVID-19.
He also encouraged communities to show compassion for the poor and vulnerable sectors and extend any form of assistance to their neighbors who may be going through tough times as a result of the crisis.
“Magtulungan lang tayo. Kaya natin ito! Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayong mga kapwa Pilipino din,” Go said in a video call.
“Magtiis-tiis lang tayo dahil kung mayroon nang vaccine, uunahin namin ang mga mahihirap. Uunahin namin kayo para makabalik na tayo sa dating normal nating pamumuhay. Ang aming panalangin [ni Pangulo Duterte] ay bumalik tayo sa normal noon, hindi itong new normal kundi ‘yung normal noon … na pwede nating mayakap ang mga kapwa nating Pilipino,” he added. — PR, KQD (FREEMAN)
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