BONG GO AIDS FIRE VICTIMS IN LANAO DEL SUR REBUILD AND RECOVER

On Thursday, October 10, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team provided additional aid to the fire victims in Picong, Lanao del Sur in coordination with Mayor Person Balindong. The activity was part of Go’s ongoing efforts to help disaster-stricken communities rebuild and recover.

In his message, Go mentioned his filed Senate Bill No. 192, to institutionalize a Rental Housing Subsidy Program if enacted into law. This proposed measure aims to develop a housing and social protection program that will give disaster victims better and more affordable access to the formal housing market through rental subsidies provided by the government.

Go, the primary author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, also underscored the importance of enhancing the Bureau of Fire Protection’s capabilities to safeguard communities. The Act mandates a ten-year modernization program that includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring advanced fire fighting equipment, and developing specialized training programs.

Held at the Picong Municipal Hall, a total of 308 fire-stricken households received various forms of assistance from Go’s Malasakit Team, including grocery packs, snacks, shirts, vitamins, basketballs and volleyballs. Select individuals also received new shoes, a watch, sling bags, and a mobile phone.

The National Housing Authority (NHA), through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), which Go has been a staunch advocate for, also provided emergency housing assistance to the affected families to help them rebuild their homes.

“Sinikap din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go said.

“Itong EHAP program, isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahang mapondohan ang programa ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added.

The EHAP program is designed to provide immediate relief and support to families who have lost their homes due to disasters like fires, typhoons, and earthquakes. By advocating for the continuous implementation of EHAP, Go aims to ensure that affected families receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives and homes.

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also encouraged the public to utilize any of the 166 Malasakit Centers, including one at Lanao del Sur located at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City, if they need assistance with their hospital expenses.

Go principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, to establish one-stop shops for medical assistance programs in qualified public hospitals to conveniently assist poor and indigent patients in covering their hospital expenses and lowering it to the lowest amount possible.

The Malasakit Centers program is a brainchild of Go and was initiated in 2018 as part of the senator’s commitment to strengthen and improve access to quality health services in the country. Since its inception, the centers have helped more than 15 million Filipinos according to the Department of Health.

Go’s continued efforts to support disaster victims and his advocacy for government housing and health programs demonstrate his commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable situations.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” emphasized Go, affectionately known as Mr. Malasakit for his dedication to aiding Filipinos in need.