BEFORE the year ends, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to provide relief for flood victims in Malita, Davao Occidental on Monday, December 30.
In coordination with Vice Mayor Esme Bautista, the Malasakit Team aided 630 affected families from various barangays in the municipality. Each household received food packs and shirts.
Known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassion towards communities in need, Senator Go emphasized the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the country.
The recent floods in Malita highlighted the challenges of using makeshift evacuation sites, such as covered courts and schools, which often lack proper sanitation and ventilation. Senator Go, the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, emphasized the need for permanent evacuation centers to ensure the safety and dignity of evacuees.
“Panahon na rin na magkaroon sa bawat lokalidad ng ligtas at kumpleto sa supply na evacuation centers. Bukod sa kanilang kaligtasan at kalusugan, kailangan ding mapangalagaan ang dignidad ng ating evacuees,” Go explained.
He also renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, or the Department of Disaster Resilience Act. The proposed legislation seeks to create a dedicated department to proactively manage disaster-related concerns and ensure swift response and recovery efforts.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” the senator concluded.
