SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go visited the remote town of Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar, for the first time on Tuesday, July 16, bringing much-needed aid to 1,664 indigent residents.
Despite the geographical challenges of reaching this far-flung area, Senator Go was warmly welcomed by the townspeople, who gathered in large numbers for the distribution activity at the Municipal Evacuation Center.
In recognition of his support and commitment to the community, the local government honored Senator Bong Go by bestowing him the title of an adopted son of Silvino Lobos. This symbolic gesture highlights the deep bond formed between the senator who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service for the poor, and the residents of this remote town.
“Unang beses ko makarating dito at ramdam ko ang init ng inyong pagtanggap sakin. Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta, ako naman ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil yan ang bisyo ko – ang magserbisyo,” Mr. Malasakit, Go said.
The residents received grocery packs, meals, vitamins, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs from Go’s team. There were also select recipients of sling bags, shoes, mobile phones, and watches.
Furthermore, a collaborative effort between Senator Go and the local government resulted into the distribution of financial assistance aimed to alleviate the daily struggles of the beneficiaries.
The senator also took the opportunity to commend the local officials, including Congressmen Paul Daza and Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Datu, Mayor Leo “Totong” Jarito, and Vice Mayor Remedios Espina, among others, for their unwavering focus on the welfare of their constituents.
“I thank the local leaders for their tireless efforts in prioritizing the needs of the people,” Go remarked.
Senator Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, extended additional support to residents in need of medical care. He encouraged them to utilize the services of nearby Malasakit Centers, specifically the one at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman, whose operations he personally checked earlier that day.
Having personally witnessed the challenges faced by disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their hospital bills, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program and successfully advocated for Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored in 2019.
These centers consolidate relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), allowing patients to conveniently access various medical assistance programs.
Presently, there are 166 Malasakit Centers established nationwide that have helped approximately ten million poor and indigent Filipinos. Go likewise lauded the launch of the 166th Malasakit Center at Kalinga Provincial Hospital in Tabuk City, Kalinga earlier that day.
Furthermore, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier supported the funding for an ambulance unit for the town.
The visit and the aid distribution underscore Go’s ongoing efforts to extend help to underserved communities, particularly those in distant and challenging locations.
The initiative not only brought immediate relief but also instilled hope and joy among the residents of Silvino Lobos.
“Mga kababayan maraming salamat sa inyo. Uulitin ko, kalabitin nyo lang ako. Kung maawa sa atin ang Panginoon patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya. Maraming salamat sa pagtitiwala. Hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwala na ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magseserbisyo talaga ako para sa mamamayan,” he ended.
Go also provided assistance to more indigents and visited the public market he supported the funding of in Catarman on the same day.
