ASSISTANCE. Senator Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Go gives a pair of new shoes to Rosario Anecito, a fisherman in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), Davao del Norte, on Thursday (Feb. 18, 2021). Joined by national government agencies, Go handed out assistance to the island's fisherfolk to cushion the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. (PNA photo by Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo)
ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (Igacos), Davao del Norte – In partnership with national government agencies, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go led the distribution of aid to the fisherfolk here affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Thursday afternoon.
Go hopes the assistance would help some 300 fisherfolk whose livelihood is impacted by the restrictions.
“Let us pray and help one another. We can get through this. But please heed to the health protocols,” the senator told the beneficiaries.
Go distributed grocery packs, vitamins, bicycles, computer tablets [for students’ modular classes], and shoes, while the Department of Health (DOH) distributed hygiene kits.
The Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) distributed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) to the fisherfolk while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave livelihood assistance options.
For its part, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also enlisted residents for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) cash-for-work program. At the same time, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarships and livelihood training.
The Department of Agriculture (DAnd, distributed vegetable seeds, two motorized bancas and fishing equipment, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also distributed fishing equipment to the fisherfolk.
“I hope this will somehow leave a smile on your faces despite the pain this pandemic brought us,” Go further added.
Rosario Anecito, one of the beneficiaries who lost her arm in a recent accident, thanked the senator for the assistance.
“He promised to provide me an artificial hand. I am delighted, and I am very thankful for his help,” she told the Philippine News Agency. (PNA)
