SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, through his Malasakit Team, reached out to families affected by the fire in Cebu City. The assistance was delivered on Friday, December 6, highlighting Go’s commitment to ensuring immediate relief for disaster-stricken communities.
The 926 families gathered at the Barangay Tinago Sports Complex in Cebu City, where they received grocery packs, meals, shirts, vitamins, and masks from Go’s team. There were also select recipients of basketballs, volleyballs, mobile phones, shoes, bicycles, and a watch.
The Senator’s office partnered with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and also provided Emergency Housing Assistance, which Go advocated for to help families affected by crises rebuild their homes.
“This program has been a lifeline for disaster victims to recover and rebuild their homes. Ako po’y nananatiling nakasuporta sa programang ito upang matulungan kayong makapagsimula ulit,” Go remarked in a video call with the fire victims.
“Ito pong EHAP ay para makapagtayo kayo ng maayos na tirahan. Gamitin ninyo ang makukuhang tulong para sa pambili ng pako, yero, at iba pang materyales na makakatulong sa muling pagtatayo ng inyong bahay,” Go stressed.
EHAP is an initiative designed to assist families who have lost their homes due to calamities such as fires, typhoons, and earthquakes by providing funds for building materials like roofing sheets, nails, and cement.
The relief operation was also attended by Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, and Barangay Basak Pardo Captain Dave Tumulak. The senator likewise acknowledged the efforts of former mayor Michael Rama.
Later in the day, Go took time to personally assist more recovering fire victims in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu Cities who also received similar support from the senator and the NHA. His visit was part of his continued effort to bring government programs closer to the people, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind during times of hardship.
The senator also emphasized his ongoing advocacy for housing programs, such as Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to institutionalize a Rental Housing Subsidy Program. This proposed measure aims to provide disaster victims with better access to affordable housing while they rebuild their homes if enacted into law.
“Alam ko mahirap masunugan, napakalungkot masunugan. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ang gamit, nabibili natin ‘yan. Ang pera po’y kikitain natin ‘yan, magsipag lang po tayo. Ngunit ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Walang part two po sa buhay. Kaya pangalagaan po natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat isa. Magtulungan po tayo. Tulungan po natin ang ating kapwa,” Go shared.
Meanwhile, Go highlighted the recent signing of Republic Act No. 12076, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of safe, permanent, and well-equipped evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities across the country.
As the principal author and one of the co-sponsors of the law, Go reiterated the urgent need for dedicated facilities to provide refuge for disaster-affected communities to protect their dignity, promote their safety, and boost their recovery further. He personally witnessed the ceremonial signing of the said law earlier that day before going to Cebu.
“Matagal na po nating isinusulong ang pagkakaroon ng permanenteng evacuation centers. Napapanahon na po ito upang masigurong maayos at ligtas ang masisilungan ng mga kababayan natin tuwing may sakuna,” Go emphasized.
Moreover, as the primary author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act of 2021, Go underscored the importance of equipping fire stations and personnel to prevent such tragedies. The act provides for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection, including recruitment of more firefighters, acquisition of modern equipment, and enhancement of training programs.
“Patuloy akong 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,” emphasized Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate brand of service.
