SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go voiced his sympathies for the families impacted by the fire incident that happened on March 19 in Talisay City, Cebu.
In coordination with Congresswoman Rhea Mae Gullas, Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Vargas Gullas Jr., and Cansojong Barangay Captain Vic Oberes, among others, Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to deliver necessary assistance to the victims on Wednesday, April 3.
Go’s team organized the distribution activity at Barangay Cansojong Gymnasium where 130 families received assistance, such as grocery packs, water containers, masks, snacks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. They also gave away shoes and a mobile phone to select recipients.
“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo malalampasan rin natin ito. Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante po ay buhay tayo, ang importante walang nasaktan,” Go said.
“Tandaan natin, ang gamit naman po ay nabibili natin, magtulungan lang tayo. Ang pera ay kikitain, magsipag lang tayo. Ngunit ang perang kikitain ay hindi makakabili ng buhay na nawala. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pag-ingatan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” he added.
Go also recognized government agencies for providing assistance to the fire victims. Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority each conducted an assessment wherein qualified recipients may receive livelihood or housing assistance, respectively.
The lawmaker reaffirmed the government’s efforts to enhance fire response and preparedness, particularly in light of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act. This law, which Go was a principal author and co-sponsor of, aims to boost the firefighting capacity of the country.
Under this law, the BFP is embarking on a ten-year modernization initiative. This program involves procuring modern fire equipment, recruiting more personnel, and offering advanced training for firefighters, among other enhancements.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered further aid to beneficiaries who may have medical concerns as he encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center located at Cebu South Medical Center in the city.
“Kung may nararamdaman po kayo, ipa-check up niyo na po at huwag niyo na alalahanin ang inyong babayaran sa pagpapa-ospital. Mayroon ho tayong 161 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” Go said.
“Para po ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients, para po ‘yan sa Pilipino, lapitan niyo lang po, inyo po ‘yan at ibinabalik po sa inyo ang serbisyo na para po sa inyo. Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center,” he added.
Other Malasakit Centers are located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital, and Cebu City Medical Center, all in Cebu City. There are other Malasakit Centers at Lapu-Lapu City Hospital, Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City.
The senator likewise mentioned that 21 Super Health Centers are funded for the province. Through the collective efforts of Go, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for the construction of around 700 Super Health Centers to bring primary care closer to communities.
The senator, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, strives for the city’s betterment amid crises as he extends his support in the funding of various improvement projects in Talisay City. Among these projects are the construction of multipurpose buildings, the acquisition of two multipurpose vehicles, and the rehabilitation of a park and plaza.
