In line with his commitment to help victims of disasters and other calamities rebuild their lives, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to deliver relief aid to three families who lost their houses after a fire broke out in Brgy. Malbago, Daanbantayan in Cebu last Nov. 1.
Go’s team provided each family with financial assistance, food packs, masks, and meals at the barangay hall on Saturday (Dec. 11), while observing the government-issued protocols against COVID-19.
Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) were also present to provide separate financial assistance to the fire victims.
In a video message at the activity, Go assured them of the country’s improved fire protection services with the implementation of Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act.
“Saksi ako sa hinagpis na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan na biktima ng mga sunog. Buwan-buwan, bago ang pandemya, ilang insidente ng sunog ang aking binibisita sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating nabiktima nito,” Go said.
“Kahit isang bahay lang ang masunog, damay pati ang kapitbahay at maraming pamilya ang apektado. Kaya dapat lang na palakasin ang kapasidad ng Bureau of Fire Protection sa pagresponde sa sunog,” he added.
Last Sept. 10, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law that directs the BFP to implement a modernization program that will include, among others, the acquisition of fire equipment, hiring of more firefighters, and provision of specialized training.
The law, which was based on a bill that Go principally authored and co-sponsored, also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit in an effort to reduce fire incidents in the future.
Go, who heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered additional support and advised those with health concerns to visit the nearest Malasakit Center where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government.
The center is a one-stop shop that streamlines the provision of medical assistance by bringing the relevant agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof.
Its primary aim is to help reduce a patient’s hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses. Go is also the principal author and sponsor of the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
“Magtinabangay lang ta. Kinsa magtinabangay, kita lang man mga kaigsuonan natong mga Pilipino? Ug pinalangga mo namo ni Presidente Duterte,” reassured Go.
(“Magtulungan lang tayo. Sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo lang mga kapwa Pilipino? At mahal namin kayo ni Pangulong Duterte.”)
To date, Malasakit Centers in the province are open at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital in Cebu City, Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.
In the end, the senator thanked 4th District Rep. Janice Salimbangon, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Gov. Hilario Davide, Mayor Sun Shimura, and Vice Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. for their continued public service during these challenging times.
Go also vowed to continue supporting the economic recovery of the province in his capacity as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. He has earlier supported initiatives such as the installation of street lights in Daanbantayan, Asturias, and Compostela.
Other major projects he supported include the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Poro, Tabogon, Cebu City, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Poro, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City, and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madrilejos and Naga City.
On Dec. 7, Go’s team also organized a relief activity for 335 fire and landslide victims in Talisay City. (Office of SBG) – jlo
