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Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s outreach team concluded a week-long relief mission for the vulnerable sectors in Bukidnon that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

In a message, Go urged everyone to follow the government’s directives as authorities grapple with decisions to balance the economic and health issues related to the pandemic.

“Napaka-importante po na ma-contain natin ang virus. Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa dahil hindi natin kakayanin kung lalong tataas ang bilang ng mga kaso. Marami ang maapektuhan at mawawalan ng trabaho kung magsasara muli tayo,” he said.

“Sa ngayon, ginagawa namin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang lahat upang balansehin ang ekonomiya at public health. Ayaw namin may nahihirapan pero kung sakali tataas ang mga kaso, ang magiging pangunahing konsiderasyon namin sa bawat desisyon ay ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” continued Go.

His outreach team provided meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to 1,725 residents at the Kadingilan municipal gymnasium and Barangay Dologon covered court in Maramag.

Selected residents received new shoes while some received bicycles to use as an alternative mode of transportation. Others received computer tablets so their children can continue their studies under the blended learning set-up more effectively.

Moreover, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed financial assistance as part of a continuing effort by the government to assist those struggling financially due to pandemic-related restrictions.

Despite filing his candidacy for Vice President for the upcoming national elections, Go stressed that his focus remains on fulfilling his mandate as a senator and in ensuring public service delivery amid the ongoing crisis.

“Sabi ko nga, mamaya na muna ‘yung pulitika, tapos na ‘yung filing, let’s go back to work. Unahin po natin ‘yung pagseserbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan bago ang halalan. At bakuna muna bago pulitika,” said Go.

The senator, in line with his advocacy to advance health care, also offered further assistance to those in need of medical care. He advised residents, particularly the poor and indigent, to visit the Malasakit Center at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag where they may conveniently avail of government aid for hospital and other such expenses.

In 2019, Go principally authored and sponsored a measure that became Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act. The primary aim of the Malasakit Center is to help reduce a patients’ hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as surgeries and laboratories, through the said assistance programs.

“Halimbawa, may gastos ang pasyente na hindi covered ng PhilHealth, diyan papasok ang mga ibang ahensya. Kung kulang pa ang tulong nila, ang bawat center ay may funds mula sa Office of the President para pangdagdag tulong. Target ng Malasakit Center na maging ‘zero balance’ ang bill ninyo para wala na kayong babayaran sa ospital,” explained Go.

In the end, the senator expressed gratitude to the local officials for ensuring the health and safety of their constituents. Among these were 3rd District Representative Manuel Zubiri; Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr.; Kadingilan Mayor Jerry Canoy Sr. and Vice Mayor Helbert Jovellar; and Maramag Mayor Jose Doromal and Vice Mayor Edison Laurie.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go has supported various initiatives to improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life of those living in the province. He supported the construction of local roads in Kadingilan and the Southern Bukidnon Agri-Industrial Economic Zone Road Network development project and installation of street lighting facilities in Maramag. Other initiatives include the construction of a slaughterhouse, multi-purpose building, and the Northern Bukidnon Agri-Industrial Economic Zone Road Network and Southern Bukidnon Agri-Industrial Economic Zone Road Network development projects in Don Carlos.

He also assisted in the improvement of road links in Baungon, Libona and Talakag; an access road leading to the Bukidnon Airport; farm-to-market and local roads in Cabanglasan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Lantapan, San Fernando, Talakag and Valencia City; and other road linkages throughout the province.

Earlier that week, the senator’s team provided similar aid to thousands of residents in Damulog and Kibawe. All activities were conducted in batches and compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.