Talisay City fisherfolks get aid from Bong Go, DSWD

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 922 fisherfolks in Talisay City recently received aid from Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

Go also promised that the fisherfolks will be among the priority beneficiaries once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in the country.

The distribution of meals, food packs, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries were done in two separate batches held in San Roque Gym and Tabunok Gym by Go’s team.

“Wag kayong mag-alala, kapag mayroon ng safe na vaccine, uunahin namin kayo ni Pangulong Duterte. Lahat ng mahihirap dyan sa Talisay, uunahin natin para makabalik na tayo sa mga normal natin na pamumuhay,” Go said in a video call.

The senator, who has been giving in-kind and financial aids to mostly fire victims in highly-urbanized cities of Cebu and in the province since elected into office, also urged beneficiaries with medical conditions to seek assistance in any of the nearby Malasakit Centers located in various places in Cebu.

These Malasakit Centers, he said, are located in Talisay City District Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, both in Cebu City; Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, and Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City.

Go said that the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop wherein different agencies of the government like PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development are inside the hospitals, who will be assisting the patient’s needs.

Go also urged the public to strictly follow health protocols to safeguard themselves and their communities from the threats of COVID-19 and other diseases this holiday season.

He also reminded the fisherfolks to use masks and face shields in their day-to-day transactions.

Go’s team likewise distributed bicycles to selected recipients for their commute to work as public transportation remains a challenge during the pandemic.

Others also received tablets for their children’s use in online classes as part of their blended learning being implemented in schools.

“Mga bata, mag-aral kayo ng mabuti dahil ‘yan lang ang puhunan natin sa mundo. Kayong mga kabataan ang kinabukasan ng bansa. Mag-aral kayo ng mabuti — pakiusap ko, dahil ang mga magulang natin ay halos nagpapakamatay na para makapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral niyo,” the senator added.

Meanwhile, personnel from DSWD also provided separate financial assistance to the fisherfolks through their existing program that aims to assist individuals in crisis situations. — GMR (FREEMAN)