Sen. Go sends aid to Batangas
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued to respond to calls for help from low-income families facing difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, Go’s staff was in Batangas City where 354 residents were given free meals, food packs, masks and face shields.
There were also 35 residents who received bicycles, with the event carried out in strict compliance with health and safety protocols.
Let us remain vigilant. Follow protocols.
“I learned about your needs here so we also requested the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for help,” he said in a video message. “Always remember that your government will help you at all times. We will all overcome this if we cooperate and follow protocols.”
Representatives from the DSWD gave away additional food packs through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program and cash for residents who did not benefit from the Social Amelioration Program.
Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry also evaluated those needing livelihood assistance.
Go, also the chair of the Committee on Health and Demography, pledged assistance to Batangueños requiring medical treatment but are too poor to afford the travel costs to Metro Manila.
He urged those struggling to pay their medical bills and accumulated debt to go to the Malasakit Center in the Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery and apply for assistance.
“If you need to go to Manila for more complex procedures, my office will be more than willing to assist you. I will take care of the expenses,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to approach me. It is my duty to serve you.”
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients may seek financial and medical assistance from various government agencies, like DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The Malasakit Center Act of 2019, a priority bill of Go enacted into law late last year, makes all government medical and financial assistance accessible by bringing together all concerned agencies under one roof. The law aims to bring down to the lowest amount possible the hospital bills.
“All concerned agencies will pitch in their share to pay for your medical needs. This is your money. We are just giving them back to you,” he said.
Go reminded everyone of the importance of wearing masks, staying physically distant, washing of hands, avoiding large gatherings and clean surroundings. “Let us remain vigilant. Follow protocols,” he said. He vowed the government will ensure that poor and vulnerable sectors will be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the government’s distribution plan.