To help Filipinos in distress recover from the calamities they have experienced and to build back better, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided further assistance to 89 Typhoon Auring victims in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, March 30.

The Senator’s team provided meals, food packs, medicines, vitamins, masks, and face shields to the beneficiaries who were severely hit by the massive flooding caused by the heavy rains brought by the Typhoon Auring in January.

“Sana ay nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Alam kong mahirap ang panahon ngayon dahil nasa pandemya pa po tayo, ito pong COVID-19. At ngayon, tinamaan pa kayo ng baha noong nagdaan na buwan dahil sa bagyo pero magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kung di kapwa natin Pilipino. Malalampasan natin ito basta magkaisa lang tayong lahat,” Go said in a video message.

The distribution activity, held at the Barangay 7 Gym, was carried out in batches and in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Selected beneficiaries were also given new pairs of shoes. Another beneficiary was also provided with a bicycle, an alternative and convenient mode of transportation amid the pandemic. A selected recipient was also given a computer tablet for his child’s use in studying at home under the blended learning approach.

One of the beneficiaries, Sarah Trillo, shared in an interview how her family has been struggling due to the pandemic and has escalated even further after the typhoon washed away their house.

“Hirap kami. Ang mga anak ko hirap din. Ang asawa ko ay walang trabaho dahil bingi at hindi siya nakakarinig at mayroon kaming anak na 6 kaya mahirap talaga ang buhay,” Trillo said.

She further expressed that she is thankful for the assistance provided by the Senator. Trillo, who received the bicycle, said in the interview that they never expected that help would be provided to them.

“Hindi namin inaasahan na magbibigay kayo ng tulong dito sa amin, hindi namin inaasahan na may darating sa amin, hindi namin inaasahan na makakatanggap kami ng bike, kaya maraming maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo sa amin,” Trillo added.

“Salamat kay Senator Bong Go at kay President Duterte, sa binigay ninyo na ayuda sa amin. Sobrang laking tulong nito sa amin na binigay ninyo. Sobrang malaki ang tulong nito lalo na ang financial assistance dahil sobrang hirap ng panahon ngayon dahil sa pandemya, sobrang hirap maghanap ng pera,” she further added.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded beneficiaries to take the necessary precautions against COVID-19 and to strengthen their immune system as protection for themselves and their loved ones. This comes after the sudden rise of new cases of the disease in the past days.

Go also advised beneficiaries to properly wear masks and face shields, observe social distancing, wash their hands frequently, and stay at home as much as possible.

The Senator also vowed that the government continues to accelerate its vaccine rollout. As the first batches of vaccines have already arrived, Go ensured that the government will prioritize access to vaccines of poor and vulnerable sectors after the frontliners are inoculated.

Go also urged beneficiaries to visit the nearest Malasakit Center located at Butuan Medical Center for their health concerns and medical needs. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, PhilHealth, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are housed under one roof to help poor and indigent patients settle their hospital and other medical bills.

As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to assist those affected by calamities, representatives of The Department of Social Welfare and Development provided separate financial assistance to the beneficiaries. The Department of Trade and Industry also validated potential beneficiaries for their livelihood assistance.

Additionally, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed beneficiaries for their scholarship and livelihood training.

Go also thanked the local government officials through the leadership of Mayor Enrico R. Corvera, for their untiring support and assistance to their constituents, especially in times of need.

“Ating tatandaan, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito kung ano po kabutihan ang pwede natin maitulong sa kapwa tao natin ay gawin na natin dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” said Go.

“Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he ended.

In January, the Senator provided assistance to hundreds of Typhoon Vicky victims in Butuan. He further continued to distribute aid in February to another set of Typhoon Vicky victims composed of hundreds of residents from Remedios T. Romualdez town.