A TOTAL of 674 captains and crew members of the terminated wooden-hulled motorbancas in the Province of Guimaras received assistance from the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on January 14, 2021.
Distribution of assistance to the 341 crews members of Jordan Motorbanca Cooperative (JMBC) was done at the Jordan Municipal Gym in Poblacion, Jordan, Guimaras, while the 333 crews of Buenavista Motorbanca Owners and Sailors Association (Bamosa) received the relief packages at the distribution activity conducted at Buenavista Public Market in Mclain, Buenavista, Guimaras.
The beneficiaries were given masks, face shield, vitamins, meal and food packs consist of rice, canned goods, biscuits, noodles and powdered milk.
The senator also allocated 30 bicycles to selected recipients and tablets for the children of the affected motorbanca crews that can be utilized under the blended learning set-up.
"Meron po kaming pinadalang 15 bisikleta at 15 tablet para magamit ng inyong anak para sa eskwela kahit na distance learning po tayo ngayon," Go said via a video call during the distribution activity.
The beneficiaries also received financial assistance worth P3,000 each from the DSWD through its existing programs that assist individuals in crisis situations.
Go also said once the vaccine for Covid-19 is available and deemed by the Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective, he and President Rodrigo Duterte will prioritize the poor and the vulnerable.
"'Wag po kayong mag-alala mga kababayan ko. 'Pag meron na pong vaccine, uunahin po namin ni Pangulong Duterte lahat nang mahihirap," he added.
The Department of Trade and Industry likewise extended help to the affected individuals.
The assistance was given to the crews affected by the phase-out of the wooden-hulled motorbancas plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route vice versa, which resulted in the loss of livelihood for hundreds of its crewmen.
Moreover, the activity was conducted in compliance with the necessary health and safety protocols to avoid the further spread of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases. (PR)