Continuing his efforts to provide emergency assistance to residents displaced by fire incidents, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, March 17, sent aid to affected residents of Barangays 574 and 576 in Sampaloc, Manila after a major fire broke out Saturday afternoon.
“Alam namin na mahirap ang panahon ngayon. Nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya at nasunugan pa kayo. Magtulungan tayo at malalampasan rin natin itong krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go told residents in a video call.
His team held an activity at a warehouse in Brgy. 576 where they provided cash assistance, food packs and meals to a total of 44 families or 150 residents. They also distributed vitamins, masks and face shields to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Furthermore, selected beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes while some received bicycles so they can commute with ease. Others were provided computer tablets so their children can better study at home under the blended learning set-up
To ensure their full recovery, Go also offered to help residents in need of medical care. He encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at the Philippine General Hospital where they can conveniently avail the medical assistance offered by the government, specifically the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
In addition to the above aid, representatives from the DSWD were likewise present to provide separate cash assistance as part of the national government’s relief measures for individuals affected by crisis situations.
The Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority, in turn, committed to assist qualified beneficiaries seeking livelihood and housing assistance, respectively, upon completing their assessments.
The Senator, in his message, recognized and thanked the local officials led by 574 Punong Barangay Ricardo Santiago and 576 Punong Barangay Jeff Fabian for their untiring service to their communities amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.
He reiterated his commitment to push for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 1832 which provides for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection with the aim of improving its capabilities and preventing any more casualties and losses due to fire incidents.
The proposed measure, of which Go is author and co-sponsor, also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, particularly in informal settlements and economically depressed areas. The bill passed the final reading in the Senate last March 8.
“Habang sinisikap nating lampasan ang krisis na ‘to, sumunod tayo sa gobyerno at magsuot ng mask at face shield at mag-social distancing. Inuumpisahan na ng gobyerno ang pagbabakuna. Pagkatapos ng mga frontliners, isusunod namin ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte ang lahat ng mahihirap para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” vowed Go. – Louisa Erispe
