Bong Go distributes aid for typhoon victims in Sorsogon

MANILA, Philippines — Continuing his initiative to help Filipinos affected by calamities and other crisis situations, Sen. Bong Go personally went to Sorsogon City to provide assistance to 2,128 victims of Typhoon Tisoy.

“Sorsogon is always hit by storms. That’s why we continue coordinating with your governor on the kind of help we could extend,” he said in Filipino.

Meals, food packs, masks, face shields and vitamins were given during the distribution activities at the Barangay
Pangpang gymnasium in
Sorsogon City.

Jovelyn Lagasca, a seamstress whose house was washed away by Typhoon Tisoy, expressed her gratitude to Go, saying his help will go a long way for her and other victims.

“Thank you, senator. Even though our place is far, you are still able to come here to help us. During these times, only a few ask us for services. My income is barely enough for our daily needs, that is why I want to thank you for this help,” she said, noting that her husband, a construction worker, is not also able to provide a steady income.

Selected beneficiaries were given bicycles they can use for work due to limited public transportation options amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while others were given pairs of shoes.

Several others were given computer tablets their children could use in online classes under the blended learning approach.

The National Housing Authority also provided financial assistance, through its emergency housing assistance program, to help beneficiaries rebuild their homes.

“I will continue to help you to the best of my abilities. And it is not just help that I want to leave here, I also want to leave smiles amid your sorrows,” Go said.

Go also visited the Malasakit Center at the Dr. Fernando Duran Sr. Memorial Hospital in Sorsogon City, where he distributed masks and face shields, vitamins, packed meals and grocery packs to patients.

He explained that the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health, PhilHealth and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are housed under one roof. These agencies have streamlined their processes to provide patients fast and efficient assistance for their hospital and other medical bills.

“You don’t have to queue in line and visit several offices, all are in one room in this hospital. This is to provide help to poor and indigent patients. It doesn’t discriminate. If you are a Filipino, you are qualified for the Malasakit Center,” Go said.

As chairman of the Senate committee on health, he assured frontliners and the poor and vulnerable sectors of prioritization in the vaccination program against COVID-19 once these are deemed safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

He urged the public to continue cooperating with authorities and follow health protocols to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Before he left, Go thanked Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero, Sorsogon City Mayor Ester Hamor and Rep. Alfred delos Santos of Ang Probinsyano party-list for their dedicated service to their constituents.