‘MALASAKIT AT SERBISYO PARA SA PAGBANGON NG MGA MAHIHIRAP NA PILIPINO’ — BONG GO PROVIDES AID TO INDIGENTS IN SAN ISIDRO, DAVAO ORIENTAL

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go remains steadfast in his commitment to assist communities in need as he personally extended aid to the indigent residents of San Isidro, Davao Oriental on Saturday, October 12.

In his speech, Go expressed his support for the residents, encouraging them to remain hopeful and resilient despite the economic challenges they are currently facing. He emphasized that he, together with the local government of San Isidro, will continue to push for pro-poor measures to help ease the burdens of those in need, especially during these trying times.

“Huwag po tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Nagmamalasakit at magseserbisyo po tayo upang makabangon ang ating mga kababayan. Alam kong mahirap ang buhay ngayon, pero makakaasa kayong ginagawa namin ang aming makakaya upang masolusyunan ang mga problema ninyo,” Go reassured.

Held at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed essential items such as food packs, shirts, masks, vitamins and snacks to 1,000 residents. Select beneficiaries also received bicycles, watches, shoes, cellphones, and sports equipment like basketballs and volleyballs, bringing joy to the community.

The national government, in collaboration with the efforts of Mayor Angel Go, also provided financial assistance to help the residents with their immediate needs, further ensuring that basic support reaches those most vulnerable.

“Mahirap ang laban kontra sa taas ng presyo, kaya dapat lang na magtulungan at magmalasakit tayo sa isa’t isa. Gamitin natin ang pondo ng gobyerno para tulungang makabangon sa hirap ang ating mga kababayan at magkaroon ng maayos na kabuhayan,” said Mr. Malasakit.

“Ang layunin natin ay hindi lamang magbigay ng pansamantalang tulong, kundi magtaguyod ng isang matibay na hakbang para sa pag-unlad,” he added.

The senator also acknowledged the efforts of Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang, and Vice Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Jr., among others.

Go, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reminded the residents that accessible healthcare remains a priority. He urged them to take advantage of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers, particularly at the nearby Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

The Malasakit Centers program was first launched in 2018 and was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate in 2019.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together under one roof the agencies from which patients may seek medical assistance, namely the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Currently, 166 operational centers have assisted more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide.

“Ang Malasakit Center ay para sa lahat ng Pilipinong nangangailangan ng tulong sa ospital. Huwag kayong mag-alinlangan na lumapit dito dahil nandito kami para tumulong,” Go said.

Still in line with his advocacy to bolster the health sector, Go also witnessed the turnover of ambulance units for Governor Generoso and Banaybanay towns.

“Magsisilbi akong tulay ng mga pangangailangan ninyo sa gobyerno. Patuloy ang pagtulong natin hindi lamang sa aspeto ng kalusugan kundi pati sa pagbangon ng ekonomiya ng bawat komunidad. Dahil yan ang aking bisyo, ang magserbisyo,” Go stated.

As he concluded, Go reassured the residents that despite the challenges, the government remains committed to helping them rise above adversity.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.