As part of continuing efforts to support communities affected by Typhoon Ulysses, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go paid a personal visit to the typhoon victims in the district of Bagumbayan in Quezon City to better address concerns in the post-crisis situation and provide some much-needed assistance.

A total of 685 beneficiaries who serve as heads of their families were given meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields during a distribution activity on Wednesday, November 25. The activity, held at the Bagumbayan Elementary School, was carried out in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

“Alam namin na nahihirapan na kayo sa sitwasyon natin kaya sabi ni Pangulo [Rodrigo] Duterte: konting tiis lang, mga kababayan ko. Kapit lang tayo at malalampasan rin natin ang pandemyang ito. Panahon ito para magbayanihan at magmalasakit sa ating kapwa,” he encouraged.

“Huwag na tayo mag-away dahil kung ‘yan pa uunahin natin, baka wala na tayong bukas na haharapin. Magtulungan nalang po tayo at unahin natin ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino,” he warned.

In addition to the assistance above, his team also provided selected beneficiaries with bicycles so they can commute to work despite limited transportation options. Others received tablets for their children to use in their online learning activities under the new blended learning approach being implemented in schools.

“Mga estudyante, mag-aral kayo ng mabuti. Magsi-tapos kayo dahil ‘yan ang magpapasaya sa inyong mga magulang at ‘yan ang magiging puhunan ninyo sa buhay na ito,” he reminded them.

The Senator continued and offered the assistance of his office to any resident who requires but cannot access urgent medical care. He informed them that any Filipino may seek medical assistance from government at any of the Malasakit Centers open nationwide.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reassured the affected communities that President Duterte would prioritize the immunization of poor and vulnerable sectors once a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 is available for distribution. Until then, he asked them to protect themselves by taking the necessary precautions.

“Mayroon akong dinala na mga vitamins, paki-inom po para lumakas ang resistensiya ninyo. Kapag malakas ang resistensiya ninyo, mas maiiwasan ang pagkahawa ninyo sa sakit. Gamitin niyo rin ang mga masks at face shields, mag-social distancing at mag-hugas kayo ng kamay parati,” he instructed.

Representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also at the activity to distribute separate financial assistance. The National Housing Authority gave its commitment to provide housing materials. It also offered relocation sites for victims who wish to start a new life.

Similarly, the Department of Trade and Industry committed to provide livelihood assistance upon completing their assessment of the beneficiaries.

In the end, the Senator recognized the local officials and their efforts to respond to the needs of their residents following the disaster. Among those present during the activity were Vice Mayor Gian G. Sotto, 3rd District Representative Allan S. Reyes and 4th District Rep. Jesus C. Suntay. He urged them to continue providing the necessary support until the affected communities have recovered.

“Kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas — nasunugan, tinamaan ng lindol, apektado ng pagputok ng bulkan, nabahaan, lahat ng klaseng krisis — pupuntahan ko kayo para pakinggan ang inyong hinaing, makapagbigay ng tulong o solusyon sa inyong pang-araw araw na suliranin, at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” Go reiterated. (OSBG)