BOCAUE, BULACAN FIRE VICTIMS RECEIVE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM BONG GO

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance to fire victims in Barangay Biñang 1st in Bocaue, Bulacan on Friday, March 22. In a video message, Go advised affected residents who may need medical-related assistance that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance programs from the government through the Malasakit Center that was recently opened at the Joni Villanueva General Hospital (JVGH) in the town.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, was personally present during the launch of said Malasakit Center, together with fellow Senator and Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, last March 11.

Principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 has successfully established 161 operational centers and has helped over ten million indigent patients nationwide, according to a report by the Department of Health.

There are other Malasakit Centers located at Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria, and Ospital ng San Jose del Monte.

“Huwag ho kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa mga Malasakit Centers. Para po ‘yan sa Pilipino. Nalulungkot po ako tuwing may mga nag-aalangan magpatingin sa doktor dahil natatakot sila sa babayaran sa hospital. Pangalagaan niyo po ang inyong kalusugan at ang Malasakit Center ay handang tumulong sa inyo,” he encouraged.

In coordination with Barangay Biñang 1st officials, the relief activity was held along Sitio Bihunan, where Go’s Malasakit team assisted 67 families. They all received grocery packs, water containers, snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. There were also some recipients of shoes and a mobile phone.

Still in line with his health advocacy, Go mentioned that 18 Super Health Centers were funded in the province. Through the collective efforts of DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, Jr., fellow lawmakers, and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots.

The lawmaker then highlighted the ongoing modernization program of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as mandated by Republic Act No. 11589 which Go principally authored and co-sponsored. Under said law, BFP undergoes a ten-year modernization program to effectively enhance its capabilities in responding to emergencies.

“Magdasal po tayo at ipagdasal po natin ‘yung mga mahal natin sa buhay. Ang gamit po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kikitain rin po natin, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Ang nawalang buhay po ay wala na. A lost life Is a lost life forever,” Go said.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported several projects in the town, including the construction of several multipurpose buildings, and flood and river control structures, rehabilitation of the town’s public market, and road improvements. He also supported the acquisition of trucks, multipurpose vehicles, and an ambulance.