203 fire victims get aid from Bong Go

CEBU, Philippines — Over 200 fire victims from six barangays in Cebu City received additional assistance from the Office of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go amid the pandemic.

The senator has urged the beneficiaries to continue the Bayanihan spirit and to always wear mask.

On September 3, a total of 80 fire victims from Barangays Inayawan, Duljo Fatima, Pardo and Carreta received cash assistance, food packs, masks and vitamins.

Another 123 beneficiaries from Barangays Tejero and San Roque also received similar assistance the following day. The beneficiaries were among those previously visited by Go prior to the pandemic.

Selected beneficiaries also received bicycles from Go as well as Negosyo Kit worth P10,000 each from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Go added the government will be giving away free masks especially among the poor as part of its minimum health measures to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

“Suotin niyo lang ‘yang mask. Makinig lang tayo sa gobyerno. Magsuot kayo nyan, mag-social distancing, iwas-iwas lang kayo at kung hindi naman kinakailangan, ‘wag na muna kayong lumabas ng mga bahay o mamasyal,” Go told the fire victims through a video call.

 To recall, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has been commissioned to produce up to 50 million reusable cloth face masks within the next four months.

Aniceto Bertiz III, TESDA deputy director general for partnerships and linkages, said that they have been tasked to mass produce the face masks based on required quality standards and at a cost of no more than P15 each.

Once available, the face masks would be turned over to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and then to the provincial, city and municipal governments, Bertiz said.

 Go also reminded the fire victims that healthcare assistance is available in Malasakit Centers at various hospitals in Cebu.

Go added that those who need heart operations that cannot be done in Cebu may be transferred to hospitals in Manila.

Go asked the fire victims to continue cooperating with the government and show their 'bayanihan' and solidarity to their fellow Filipinos as he and President Rodrigo Duterte are always ready to assist them.

“Tulong-tulong lang po tayo, kaunting tiis lang po. Please cooperate with the government, suot tayo ng mask, social distancing, hugas tayo ng kamay at kung hindi kinakailangan huwag muna tayo lumabas ng bahay,” Go said in a statement. — FPL (FREEMAN)