Farmers and fisherfolk in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte receive aid from Bong Go during his visit to Siargao
After the launching of the 125th Malasakit Center at the Siargao Island Medical Center, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go took time to interact with residents, listen to their concerns, and provide assistance to 100 farmers and fisherfolk in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte on Saturday, July 3.
In his speech, Go expressed his recognition of the farmers and fisherfolk who continue to work hard to help their communities even at the height of a global health crisis.
The relief operation was conducted at the Dinakpan Gym where Go, together with his team, distributed grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins to the beneficiaries as they were grouped into smaller batches while strictly following the necessary safety and health protocols.
Selected beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes, while others were given bicycles for a more convenient commute considering the limited public transportation options.
To improve access to quality education despite the restrictions caused by COVID-19, Go gave computer tablets to some beneficiaries to help their children access educational materials and engage better in blended learning being implemented in schools.
“Kahit na distance learning tayo ngayon ang importante ay makapagtapos kayo ng inyong pag-aaral. Pangalawa, matutuwa ang inyong magulang kapag nakapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral. Ikatlo, kayo ang kinabukasan nitong ating bayan, ‘yan lang din ang puhunan natin kaya mag-aral kayo ng mabuti mga kabataan,” said Go.
Several government agencies were also present during the activity as the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided each qualified beneficiary with financial assistance. The Department of Health, in turn, gave supplies of medicines and vitamins.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted an on-site evaluation to provide livelihood support to qualified recipients, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority determined eligible beneficiaries for their scholarship grants.
To further help fisherfolk recover, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources gave two units of patrol boats, three units of 7.5 HP diesel marine engines, and four bundles of polyethylene net for sea urchin culture.
Similarly, the Department of Agriculture led the provision of 40 carabaos, supplies of vegetables seeds, and seven boats. DA also committed to construct a rice processing center to support more farmers.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar was also in attendance during the said event where he and Go spearheaded the distribution of additional assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk through the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program.
The Senator proudly mentioned the newly inaugurated Malasakit Center at Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa, which he personally attended earlier that day. Since the establishment of the first Malasakit Center in 2018, there are now 125 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
He, then reached out to beneficiaries with health concerns and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center where concerned agencies, such as DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, will assist them with their medical expenses and help reduce it to lowest amount possible.
“Kung hindi kayang operahan dito sa Siargao, kami na ang sasalo. Nag-usap na kami ni Congressman at ni Mayor na kapag may mga pasyente dito, ipadala sa Maynila,” said Go.
“Huwag na kayong mag-alala sa bayarin ninyo sa Maynila, kami na ang bahala,” he added.
Earlier, Go also sponsored a measure now signed into law as Republic Act No. 11500 which seeks to upgrade the capabilities of Siargao Island Medical Center. Under the said law, the hospital will be under the supervision of DOH, and its bed capacity will also increase from 50 to 100 beds. The law also mandates the upgrade of its professional healthcare services and facilities, and authorizes the increase of its medical personnel.
“Ngayon nandito ako ngayon sa Surigao, patuloy ang aking opisina sa paghatid serbisyo. Alam ko mahirap ang panahon ngayon, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho marami ang nagsara na negosyo, pati dito marami ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay sa mga farmers, mga mangingisda apektado talaga kayo, ang turismo apektado rin dito,” Go acknowledged.
Go expressed his support to numerous infrastructure projects in Del Carmen to help accelerate its economic development. Among the projects are construction of Tuburan water system, widening of Taytay Bridge, and construction of Kaduyukan Bridge. He also supported efforts for the concreting of roads, rehabilitation of recreational facilities, construction of multi-purpose buildings, improvement of bridges, and other infrastructure projects in Siargao Island.
“Gusto ko lang malaman ninyo na kami ni Presidente Duterte ay nandito lang at handang magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya kaya magtulungan lang tayo. Sino lang ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayo lang naman mga kapwa natin Pilipino. Tayong taga-Mindanao magkapitbahay lang tayo,” he added.
Go, then, recognized the hard work of Representatives Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, and Sergio Dagooc; Governor Francisco Matugas, Mayor Proserfina Coro, Vice Mayor Alfredo Coro II, and other local government officials, as they continue to serve their constituents amid difficult times.
“Mga kababayan ko, kaunting tiis lang po, magtulungan lang tayo malalampasan rin natin ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go ended.
