At least 554 residents from villages hit by Tropical Depression Vicky in December last year received food assistance from the office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

During Saturday’s distribution at the D.O Plaza Park here, each resident received food packs, face masks, face shields, and medicines.

Go, who was welcomed by Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. and Trento Mayor William E. Calvez, assured President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration would continue to reach out to Filipinos who suffer from calamities, such as typhoons.

The senator also assured the residents that the government is working hard to fight the threats brought by the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“When the vaccines are made available, President Duterte wants to ensure that our ordinary citizens will be the first to get vaccinated to protect them from the pandemic,” Go said.

Vaccination for the poor Filipinos would be free, he said.

Go was also joined by various government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga (DSWD-13) that facilitated the release of aid worth PHP3,000 to each affected resident.

Meanwhile, personnel from the National Housing Authority assessed the damaged houses for possible assistance under the agency’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

The Department of Trade and Industry, for its part, also evaluated the effects of the typhoon on the micro, small and medium entrepreneur in the area.

Go also distributed 15 bikes, 15 tablets, and shoes for students during the activity.

Earlier, the senator visited the Agusan del Sur town of La Paz and handed over relief assistance to typhoon victims. (PNA)