LEYTE (PR) — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally distributed assistance to calamity victims in Palo, Leyte on Friday, April 30. In an activity held at the Cirilo Roy Montejo Sports Complex, 573 victims were provided with meals, food packs, masks, face shields, and vitamins by the Senator. He also distributed canes to selected senior citizens.
The aid activity was held in batches and under strict compliance with necessary government health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Naiintindihan ko ang nararamdaman ninyo ngayon dahil bukod sa pandemya ay naging biktima rin kayo ng pagbaha. Ang importante walang buhay ang nasaktan o nawala. Nandito kami ni Pangulong Duterte para makinig sa hinaing ninyo,” Go told the victims.
“Ngayong papalapit na naman ang tag-ulan, maraming mabababang lugar ang apektado. Para hindi na maulit pa, prevention muna tayo. Lumikas na kung kinakailangan at makipag-coordinate sa inyong lokal na pamahalaan,” he reminded them.
During the distribution, selected beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes. Meanwhile, another set of recipients received bicycles to help them in their daily commute amid the pandemic. Others were provided with computer tablets for their children to use in their blended learning setup implemented by schools.
Representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided financial assistance to the beneficiaries. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture also provided vegetable seeds while the Department of Health distributed vitamins and medicines as well as assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and canes.
The Department of Trade and Industry assessed those who are eligible for their various programs. The Office of Civil Defense, on the other hand, distributed hygiene kits while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarships and skills training.
Go also informed the beneficiaries that they may avail of assistance for their health care needs from the nearest Malasakit Center located at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City, Ormoc District Hospital, and the newly opened 104th and 105th Malasakit Centers at the Leyte Provincial Hospital and the Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital, respectively.
Go attended the launch of the said Malasakit Centers prior to the distribution activity in Palo.
“Kung mayroon kayong pasyente, puntahan niyo lang po itong Malasakit Center, ang target nito ay zero-balance para wala na kayong bayaran sa inyong ospital. Lapitan at puntahan niyo lang po itong Malasakit Center,” Go explained.
According to the Senator, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop where all four government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and PhilHealth, are already under one roof, with special lanes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The Malasakit Center will streamline the processes for Filipinos requesting government assistance for their medical needs.
Go also acknowledged the efforts of the local officials led by Leyte Governor Leopoldo Petilla, Vice Governor Carlo Loreto, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, Mayor Ann Petilla, and Vice Mayor Bolingling Reposar for their tireless service to their constituents amid the pandemic.
“Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil para sa amin, ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” Go ended.
Go had earlier visited Tacloban City on March 18 where he personally distributed assistance to 1,650 market vendors, members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, and Typhoon Yolanda victims in an activity held at the Tacloban City. (OSBG/PRESS RELEASE)