THE Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, together with concerned government agencies, delivered various forms of assistance to displaced young workers in Angeles City, Pampanga affected by the ongoing pandemic, as he committed continuing support from the government to help them cope with their socio-economic concerns.
On June 8, a total of 200 beneficiaries composed of displaced young workers received livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program.
Aside from the government assistance, Go’s team also provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to the beneficiaries during the aid activity held at Ignatius Covered Court, Barangay Pandan. It was conducted in batches and under strict compliance with health guidelines set by the government.
The selected beneficiaries also received new pairs of shoes, while those relying on public transportation were provided bicycles for their commuting needs. Others were given computer tablets, which their children may use for their blended learning activities while at home.
“Kaunting tiis lang po. Alam ko pong nahihirapan kayo. Kami rin po ni Pangulo ay nahihirapan din po kami. Subalit kayo po ang nagbibigay lakas pa sa amin para makapagserbisyo pa po sa inyo,” said Go in a video message.
“Marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, marami pong nagsara na negosyo, at mahirap po ang buhay ngayon dahil po dito sa Covid-19. Itong Covid-19 po’y hindi natin nakikita na kalaban. Bago po itong sakit na ito at pinag-aaralan pa po ng lahat para unti-unti tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” he added.
Representatives from other concerned agencies were also present as part of a continuing effort by the National Government and its local partners to assist low-income communities that are on the front lines of the worst impacts of the pandemic.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also offered the assistance of his office to those in need of medical care.
He also advised them to seek government financial and medical assistance through the Malasakit Centers at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando City.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that simplifies access to the medical assistance programs offered by various government agencies, namely, the Department of Health, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, authored and sponsored by Go, was eventually signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2019. The law mandates the establishment of the centers in every DOH-run hospital nationwide and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.
Other public hospitals can also establish their own Malasakit Centers provided they meet the standard set of criteria and guarantee the availability of funds for the center’s operations.
There are now 118 Malasakit Centers in the country since the program was initiated by Go in February 2018, with the latest opened on June 9 at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag, Bukidnon.
The senator went on to recognize the various government officials who work together to address the needs of their affected constituents and stakeholders, namely, Representative Jon Carmelo Lazatin, Governor Delta Pineda, Vice Governor Nanay Baby Pineda, Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting.
He also expressed his support for various infrastructure programs in Angeles City, including the construction of slope protection along Sapangbato River in Barangay Margot.
“Mga kababayan ko, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy hong magseserbisyo sa inyo. Para sa amin, ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” said Go. (PR)