AS the recent Tropical Storm Enteng ravaged the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has taken action to provide immediate relief to various affected communities including Paete, Laguna victims on Friday, September 6.
In Go’s message, he maintained that he would coordinate with local governments to ensure rapid and effective assistance for those impacted by the typhoon.
“Alam n’yo, iyan po ang aking ipinangako sa inyo. Kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko kayo basta kaya po ng aking katawan at panahon. Umabot na po ako ng Batanes, Aparri hanggang Jolo; inabutan din tayo ng lindol, putok ng bulkan, buhawi, bagyo, baha, sunog… pinupuntahan ng opisina ko ‘yan para makatulong sa abot ng aming makakaya at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” said Go.
He likewise expressed gratitude to the Paete local government, led by Mayor Ronald Cosico, for their prompt response and dedication to helping affected families.
Held at the Paete Town Plaza, 250 affected families received grocery packs from Go’s personal efforts sent through his Malasakit Team.
“Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, malalagpasan natin ang anumang pagsubok. Manatili tayong matatag at positibo sa kabila ng mga hamon,” Go said.
Go also continues to advocate for the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) through his filed Senate Bill No. 188. This bill aims to strengthen the nation’s disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and response capabilities, ensuring swift recovery post-disasters.
“Itong departamento na ito, bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs, the preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo, restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. ‘Yan po ang layunin ng Department of Disaster Resilience kung maisabatas ito,” Go explained.
Additionally, Go highlighted SBN 2451, the Ligtas Pinoy Centers bill, in which he is one of the authors and co-sponsors. This legislation seeks to create permanent, fully equipped mandatory evacuation centers nationwide, enhancing each locality’s readiness for future emergencies.
Meanwhile, Go also offered assistance to those with other health concerns. He mentioned that there are Malasakit Centers in Laguna located at Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz and the San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City.
The Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, was principally authored and sponsored by Go to ensure that Filipinos have convenient access to medical assistance programs by the government. The 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide have already assisted more than 11 million indigent Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy nating ilapit ang mga serbisyo sa mga nangangailangan nito. Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.
