Sen. Bong Go provides support to fire victims in Calamba City, Laguna to help them rebuild and recover
“Ang gamit ay nabibili, ang pera ay kikitain, subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nakakabili ng buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Importante ay buhay tayo kaya pangalagaan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa ating ng Panginoon,” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in a video message, told recovering victims of recent fire incidents in Calamba City, Laguna as his Malasakit Team provided them aid on Monday, October 7.
Go partnered with the National Housing Authority, through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) which he previously initiated and continues to support its implementation, so that qualified disaster victims can be given financial grants to help them rebuild their homes.
“Itinaguyod natin ang programang EHAP noon at patuloy ko itong sinusuportahan ngayon upang matulungan ang mga biktima ng sunog na makabili ng materyales para sa bahay tulad ng yero, pako, semento, at iba pang kakailanganin upang makapagpatayo muli ng maayos na tirahan,” Go explained.
EHAP aims to provide immediate relief and support to families who have lost their homes due to disasters such as fires, typhoons, and earthquakes. By pushing for the continuing implementation of EHAP, affected families are given a boost by Go to help rebuild their lives and homes.
Go likewise mentioned the Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored. The Act encompasses acquiring new fire equipment, recruiting additional firefighters, and providing specialized training, among other enhancements.
Furthermore, Go highlighted SBN 2451, known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he co-sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. Based on the Mandatory Evacuation Center bill Go filed earlier, the proposed legislation underscores the necessity of establishing mandatory evacuation centers in provinces and municipalities.
During the relief activity held at the Calamba City Hall, Go’s Malasakit Team provided snacks, vitamins, masks, and shirts to 26 fire-stricken households. A selected beneficiary received a cellular phone.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, 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.
Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally authored and sponsored by Go, mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila to establish their centers, providing convenient access to government medical assistance programs.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” Go explained.
There are currently 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide that have helped over 15 million Filipinos nationwide.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” ended Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service for the poor.
