Bong Go lauds participation of all sectors in the bayanihan efforts to overcome COVID-19, reiterates that a whole-of-nation approach is necessary

While the government remains on top of the situation in addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go reiterated his call for a whole-of-nation approach to overcome the challenges posed by the new surges of infections worldwide.

"Bawat isa sa atin ay may ginagampanang papel sa laban kontra COVID-19. Bagama't ginagawa ng gobyerno ang lahat upang mapagaan ang hirap na pinapasan ng ating mga kababayan, talaga namang napakabigat ng pasakit na dulot ng COVID-19 at kailangan ang pagkakaisa ng lahat upang malampasan ito," Go said.

The Senator lauded the active participation of various sectors in the bayanihan efforts to unburden the poor and vulnerable. He assured that all kinds of initiatives to help fellow Filipinos must be welcomed and commended.

"Kaya ang mga inisyatibo, tulad ng community pantry, ay patunay na katuwang sa labang ito ang partisipasyon at kooperasyon ng lahat ng sektor ng lipunan. Tama lang na magbigay ng tulong ayon sa kaya yung mga may sobra. Kaysa masayang o mag-expire, mabuti nang mapakinabangan ng mga mas nangangailangan," he said.

"Tandaan natin na hindi ito laban ng gobyerno lamang. Laban ito ng buong sambayanang Pilipino at ng buong mundo. Nakakatuwang makita na nananatiling buhay ang diwa ng bayanihan sa kabila ng sunud-sunod na mga pagsubok na dumadating sa bansa," he added.

Go further encouraged Filipinos to always prioritize the welfare of the general population and do their part in helping those in need. He added that efforts of various groups to help must be recognized instead of criticized.

"Tulad ng palagi kong sinasabi, kung anumang kabutihan ang pwede nating gawin para sa kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon. Hindi po ito panahon para magsisihan, magsiraan, o maglamangan pa. Panahon po ito ng pagtutulungan, pagmamalasakit, at pakikiisa sa bayanihan," he emphasized.

"Walang kulay, walang pinipili, at walang pulitika dapat ang pagtulong. Welcome po lahat 'yan. Huwag nating gamiting panlaban sa gobyerno ang inisyatibo ng iilan na tumulong sa kapwa nilang Pilipino. Iisa lang naman ang hangarin nating lahat bilang isang komunidad at iyan ay ang kabutihan ng buong bansa," he added.

Meanwhile, Go also urged the private sector to further refine its safety measures to minimize the risks of transmitting the COVID-19 virus, especially in workplaces, while ensuring that essential business operations remain unhampered.

"We seek everyone's solidarity in strictly observing the health protocols to ensure that we keep new infections at bay and not further overwhelm our healthcare system," said Go.

He also asked the government to ramp up the production and distribution of masks, especially to those who cannot afford to buy their own.

"The government must step in to provide these necessities and ensure compliance of the public with minimum health standards," he emphasized.

The Senator also continued to urge the government to always be inclusive by having an open dialogue with health experts and advocates to come up with viable solutions to various issues. In particular, he reiterated his appeal for the government to facilitate a thorough scientific study of potential COVID-19 medications and treatments, such as Ivermectin.

"Let me clarify that I am not advocating for the use of any specific drug. We have regulatory processes in place that must be followed to protect the welfare of the public. However, we must keep an open mind so that Filipinos can be given access to any drug that may help prevent or cure COVID-19 as long as it has undergone the right process and is scientifically proven safe and effective," he explained.

As groups and sectors wait for their turn to get inoculated, Go continues to remind Filipinos to be on the lookout and remain vigilant against the threats of COVID-19.

He also hit back on individuals who sow hate and spread disinformation about the pandemic, saying, "your efforts will not derail our focus in serving our fellow Filipinos with utmost diligence, compassion and empathy."

Amid the nation's ongoing battle against the pandemic, Go said that the challenges it brings should unite Filipinos rather than divide them.

"Let us show the world that no crisis can break the spirit of the Filipino people," he ended.