Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go’s outreach team organized a relief effort in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on Monday (Nov. 8) to help recovering fire and flash flood victims.
In a video message, Go assured that the country’s fire prevention and response efforts will be strengthened following the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act.
The law, which Go principally authored and co-sponsored in the Senate, will enhance the firefighting and rescue capabilities of the BFP over a ten-year period by expanding its human resources, procuring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training programs for its firefighters, among others.
“Mga kababayan, saksi ako mismo sa hinagpis na nararamdaman ng mga biktima ng mga sunog. Buwan-buwan, ilang insidente ng sunog ang ating binibisita sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating nabiktima nito,” said Go.
“Kaya nung 2019 ay nag-file ako ng bill to enhance our fire protection services and hire more personnel who are willing to dedicate their lives to ensure the safety of our communities. Dapat pinaghahandaan natin ang anumang krisis o sakuna. Bukod sa pagiging laging handa, dapat rin maging informed ang mga Pilipino kung papaano maiiwasan ang mga insidente gaya nito,” he continued.
Go’s team provided financial assistance, meals, food packs, vitamins, and face masks to 68 families. They gave selected residents new shoes and bicycles for work, as well as computer tablets for children’s blended learning activities.
Meanwhile, personnel from the National Housing Authority distributed financial assistance to those whose houses were totally damaged by the incidents.
The senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, also offered to assist any resident in need of medical care. He advised them to avail of medical assistance from the government through the nearest Malasakit Center.
There are currently 148 Malasakit Centers in the country, one of which is located at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan.
The centers are one-stop shops which provide convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Hindi na ninyo kailangan pang pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina para humingi ng tulong mula sa gobyerno. Isinulong ko ang batas na ito para tulungan kayo. Basta Pilipino, poor o indigent patient ka, qualified ka. Kaya lapitan niyo lang ito dahil para talaga sa inyo ‘yan,” explained Go, who also authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
Go thanked local officials and first responders for keeping their communities safe. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported many initiatives which aim to facilitate micro and small business development and stimulate economic activity in the area. This includes the concreting of roads at Brgy. Poblacion, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
Meanwhile, despite filing his candidacy for vice president in the upcoming national elections, Go maintains that his focus remains on fulfilling his mandate as a senator and ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind in the road towards recovery.
His team recently provided emergency assistance to 29 fire victims in Brgy. Bongo Island in Parang on Wednesday (Nov. 3). All activities were carried out in compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (Office of SBG) – jlo
