IN line with his commitment to aid communities affected by disasters, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team conducted a relief operation on Wednesday, December 11, in Maco, Davao de Oro, bringing continued support to families impacted by recent landslides in the area.
Senator Go underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience, encouraging everyone to work together to overcome these challenges.
“Ang mahalaga po ay ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa. Ang mga nawalang ari-arian ay kaya nating palitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. Kaya magtulungan po tayo at mag-ingat, lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna,” Go reminded the affected residents.
The relief operation, held at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in partnership with Barangay Masara Captain Doughlas Dumalagan Jr., provided relief packages to 11 affected families.
The packages included grocery items, snacks, vitamins, masks, and other essentials. Selected beneficiaries also received shoes.
Representatives from the National Housing Authority (NHA) were also present to provide eligible beneficiaries with housing assistance under the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
“Isinulong natin na mabigyan sila ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero, at iba pa, upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa NHA para sa programa nila upang masigurong makabangon at makapagpatayo muli ang ating mga kababayang biktima ng sakuna,” Senator Go highlighted.
Senator Go reiterated his advocacy for the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) through the passage of Senate Bill No. 188.
The proposed measure aims to create a focused and centralized approach to disaster risk reduction and management, ensuring better coordination and immediate response during calamities.
“Ang DDR po ay magsisilbing lead agency sa pagplano, prepositioning ng goods, evacuation, at pagbabalik ng normal na pamumuhay pagkatapos ng sakuna,” he explained.
The senator also underscored the importance of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers across the country. As the principal author and co-sponsor of the law, Senator Go stressed the urgent need for such facilities to ensure the safety and dignity of disaster-affected communities.
The senator emphasized his continued dedication to aiding disaster-stricken communities and fostering resilience among Filipinos.
“Bilang inyong lingkod, sisiguraduhin kong patuloy tayong magtutulungan upang makabangon ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Ang pagseserbisyo po ang aking bisyo,” Go assured the residents.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit na ang tanging bisyo ay magserbisyo, kasama ng mga lingkod bayan na narito, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.
Just last week, Senator Go personally visited Maco, where he checked the progress of the ongoing construction of a multipurpose building, inspected the Super Health Center, and aided landslide victims.
