SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, widely recognized as “Mr. Malasakit,” reinforced his commitment to serving Filipinos in need as he personally provided additional aid to families affected by fire incidents in Tondo, Manila, on Wednesday, February 5 to support their recovery.
Senator Go reaffirmed his determination to pursue a shared goal of providing a comfortable life for all Filipinos, helping ensure that no one is left behind in the journey to recovery.
“Noon pa man, hangarin ko na kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, basta kaya ng aking katawan at panahon, sunog, putok ng bulkan, lindol, bagyo, pupuntahan po namin kayo. Makatulong sa abot ng aming makakaya, makabigay ng solusyon sa mga problema, makapag-iwan ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” expressed Senator Go.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy lang akong maghahatid ng serbisyong nararapat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil ‘yan po ang aking bisyo, ang magserbisyo,” he added.
The senator also highlighted that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is undergoing a modernization program aimed at improving its readiness and capabilities in responding to fire-related incidents.
Republic Act No. 11589, known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, was primarily authored and co-sponsored by Senator Go in the Senate. This law establishes a ten-year modernization program for the BFP, which includes acquiring modern fire equipment, recruiting additional firefighters, and providing specialized training, among other improvements.
During the event, Senator Go and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs to a total of 350 beneficiaries from Barangays 649 and 20 which was held at Baseco Compound Port Area and Islang Puting Bato. Select recipients also received a bicycle, a mobile phone, shoes, and a watch from the Senator.
Through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) of the National Housing Authority (NHA), which Senator Go continues to support, beneficiaries received financial aid to help them rebuild their homes.
“Ang EHAP ay malaking tulong para sa mga kababayan nating nawalan ng tahanan. Sa programang ito, matutulungan kayong makabili ng yero, pako, kahoy, at iba pang materyales para makapag-umpisa muli,” Senator Go explained.
EHAP provides financial assistance to families affected by disasters such as fires, typhoons, and earthquakes. Senator Go emphasized the importance of programs like EHAP in helping victims recover and rebuild their lives.
Highlighting the importance of long-term disaster preparedness, Senator Go also pointed to the newly enacted RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. Signed on December 6, 2024, this law mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers across all cities and municipalities in the country. As the principal author and co-sponsor of the legislation, Senator Go emphasized how these centers will safeguard the dignity and well-being of disaster-affected communities while accelerating recovery efforts.
In his message, Senator Go also encouraged those with medical concerns to seek assistance from Malasakit Centers, located at Tondo Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital.
The Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop, enables poor and indigent patients to conveniently access medical assistance programs.
Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, assisting patients with their medical expenses. According to the DOH, the program has provided aid to over 15 million Filipinos.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various projects in Manila, specifically the improvement of roads, construction of a three-story Presidential Security Group, bank improvement, structural improvement of public buildings and evacuation centers, purchase of an ambulance, medical supplies, educational supplies, and installation of solar panels, among others.
“Ako naman bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit Kuya Bong Go, magseserbisyo ako sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Magtulungan tayo upang ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga Pilipinong pinakanangangailangan,” concluded Senator Go.
On the same day, Senator Go also aided 600 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) in Pasay City.
