SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go had his Malasakit Team assist recovering fire victims in an aid distribution held at the Oval Plaza Gymnasium in General Santos City on Monday, April 8.
A total of 16 families received rice packs, snacks, shirts, masks, vitamins, and balls for basketball and volleyball from Go while there was also a select recipient of a watch.
Meanwhile, through Go’s initiative, the National Housing Authority extended rebuilding assistance to the qualified beneficiaries through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
“Itong programang EHAP, isa ako sa nagsulong nito noon. Ngayon, ito ay aking sinusuportahan na maipagpatuloy para may maibili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa ang mga nasunugan at nabiktima ng kalamidad,” Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit, explained.
In a video message, Go also stressed that the government continues its efforts to ensure stronger fire prevention in communities. He cited that the Bureau of Fire Protection is undergoing a modernization program by Republic Act No. 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act, which was primarily authored and co-sponsored by Go.
The law mandates the agency to undergo a ten-year modernization program to transform the bureau into a world-class institution that would significantly improve its capability to respond to fire-related incidents by recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported projects in the city, such as the construction of two Super Health Centers, several multipurpose buildings, and flood control structures. He also supported the city’s acquisition of ambulances and a mini dump truck.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” underscored Go.
Go also highlighted that Malasakit Centers are crucial in providing victims with essential healthcare support without financial strain. As the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged those with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Center at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City.
Currently, 161 Malasakit Centers nationwide have assisted more than ten million poor Filipinos. The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go to ensure Filipinos can conveniently access medical assistance programs from concerned agencies.
