Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Nelson Legaspi, provided assistance to more than a hundred struggling residents in Canaman, Camarines Sur on Friday, July 14 as part of the senator’s efforts to help Filipinos adversely affected by various crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his video message, Go advocated for increased government intervention in order to expedite the country’s economic recovery through the creation of innovative initiatives aimed at tackling poverty more effectively.
To enhance the ability of government financial institutions to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as other strategically important companies (SICs), Go proposed Senate Bill No. 1182 also known as the Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) Act.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go emphasized the importance of Filipinos placing their health and well-being at the top of their priorities. He then extended his support to residents facing health concerns and encouraged them to make use of the Malasakit Centers located at Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao, by seeking medical assistance there.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the capacity of these institutions in order to offer timely and adequate support to MSMEs and SICs, recognizing the negative impact the global health crisis had on businesses within the country. The lawmaker emphasized that providing such support is essential for promoting a robust economic recovery.
“Mas maraming negosyong makakabangon, mas maraming Pilipino ang mabibigyan ng trabaho at kabuhayan. Mas merong sapat na pagkain para sa pamilyang Pilipino at mas maraming mga bata ang makakapag-aral,” Go noted.
“Importante walang magutom tungo sa ating muling pagbangon. Kaya patuloy lang tayong mag malasakit sa kapwa,” he added.
Go’s team provided snacks, masks, vitamins, and shirts to 166 individuals at the Canaman People’s Center. They also gave away shoes and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance.
The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go and was signed in 2019 by former president Rodrigo Duterte. It aims to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
There are currently 158 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, successfully aiding over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH.
Meanwhile, Go also mentioned that 18 Super Health Centers are set to be constructed in the province as assessed by the DOH. Super Health Centers are designed to provide basic health services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units
In addition, specialized services like eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine capabilities for remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will also be available.
Go, who also serves as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of the Mabolo-Almeda Bypass Road in Naga City. Go was also instrumental in the enhancement of the San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando town, improvement of the Bula and Nabua Section channel, and construction of the Lalud-Garchitorena Road, among others.
The senator’s team provided similar assistance to transport workers in Calabanga the previous day. Go also personally visited Pili town and Naga City last month where he assisted more than a thousand struggling individuals.
