SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, through his team and in coordination with Davao Oriental 2nd District Board Member Don Montojo, supported the assistance distribution to indigent residents in Lupon, Davao Oriental, on Tuesday, July 7.
The relief initiative, held at the Barangay San Jose Gymnasium in Lupon, benefited 480 residents who received various forms of assistance.
In a message, Go reaffirmed his commitment to advancing pro-poor initiatives and ensuring that government assistance reaches those who need it most, emphasizing that no Filipino should be left behind during difficult times.
“Prayoridad ko ang pagsuporta sa pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa kapwa ko, lingkod-bayan,” Go said.
During the activity, the senator’s team distributed grocery packs, shirts, snacks, pens, some basketballs, and volleyballs to the beneficiaries to help ease their daily burdens.
Through the efforts of BM Montojo and the municipal government of Lupon, and in coordination with the national government, qualified beneficiaries also received financial assistance to help address their immediate needs.
Seeking to strengthen and institutionalize government support for Filipinos facing emergencies and financial hardship, Go cited the Senate’s approval on second reading of Senate Bill No. 1966, or the proposed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act, on May 4. As the bill’s author and co-sponsor, he emphasized that institutionalizing the program would allow the government to deliver assistance more efficiently, consistently, and compassionately to those in need.
Go also underscored his continuing efforts to make healthcare more accessible to ordinary Filipinos through the Malasakit Centers program, which brings together various government agencies under one roof to help reduce patients’ hospital expenses.
He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program nationwide.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops where patients can conveniently access medical assistance from partner government agencies. To date, 167 Malasakit Centers have been established across the country, benefiting more than 17 million Filipinos. In Davao Oriental, a Malasakit Center is available at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Go stressed that the welfare of ordinary Filipinos will always remain at the center of his legislative agenda.
“Lagi ko pong uunahin ang mga programang makakatulong sa mga Pilipino,” he said.
