Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team provided assistance on Wednesday, July 26, to families affected by various calamities in Mabini and Pantukan, Davao de Oro. In a video message, Go commended local officials including Mayor Emerson Luego of Mabini, and the National Housing Authority (NHA) for responding to the needs of the affected residents.
“Nais kong malaman ninyo na hindi kayo nag-iisa sa pagharap sa hamon na ito. Kasama ninyo kami sa panahong ito ng pagdadalamhati at pagbangon. Patuloy akong makikipagtulungan sa inyong lokal na pamahalaan sa abot ng aking makakaya,” said Go.
Go’s team provided snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 50 calamity victims gathered at the Women’s Building in Mabini, and the Senior Citizens Office in Pantukan. There were also select recipients of mobile phones.
The NHA, through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), provided necessary housing assistance to the affected residents. Go was instrumental in pushing for the program during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation.
The EHAP was established for the purpose of extending financial assistance for housing materials to individuals and families affected by natural disasters, calamities, and other emergencies. By offering them the opportunity to rebuild their lives through secure and comfortable housing, the program helps to restore their sense of hope and stability, said Go.
“Sa pamamagitan ng EHAP, ibinibigay natin ang kinakailangang suporta sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng tirahan dahil sa mga sakuna. Hindi lamang tayo tumutulong sa kanila sa panahon ng pagdadalamhati, kundi sinisiguro rin nating ang mga pamilyang ito ay magkakaroon ng sapat na tulong upang muli silang makabangon at magkaroon ng maginhawang buhay,” Go said.
“Kaya naman, ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating mga katuwang sa National Housing Authority sa kanilang dedikasyon at serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Patuloy po tayong magsama-sama at magtulungan upang mas mapalakas pa ang programang EHAP at iba pang programa na naglalayong tulungan ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino sa panahon ng kanilang pangangailangan,” he added.
Go then emphasized the pressing need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to disaster management. He stressed the significance of Senate Bill No. 188, which calls for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).
SBN 188 proposes the consolidation of all disaster-related agencies and functions into a single entity, to streamline efforts and enhance the efficiency of disaster response during calamities. By establishing the DDR as a Cabinet secretary-level department, the government will be better equipped to allocate resources more effectively, develop improved disaster risk reduction strategies, and extend prompt assistance to affected communities, especially those from vulnerable and marginalized sectors.
“Ito pong Department of Disaster Resilience, hindi po ako titigil na isulong po ito na magkaroon po tayo ng isang Cabinet secretary-level na departamento na para po sa mga disaster-related (issues). Halimbawa po bago dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na pong departamentong nakatutok. Preposition of goods, coordination with LGUs, ilikas ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar, at pag-alis po ng bagyo, pagtapos ng lindol o pagputok ng bulkan, restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation efforts,” Go said.
“Tama na po ang mga task force. Dapat po mayroong isang departamento dahil hindi natin nape-predict kung kailan darating ang mga bagyo sa buhay natin. At saka nandito nga po tayo sa Pacific Ring of Fire at due to climate change, paulit-ulit na po ang panahon (at) pabigla-bigla po ang pagbuhos ng ulan. Dapat po mayroon tayong isang departamentong nakatutok hindi lang po Usec or Coordinating Council. ‘Yan po isa, ‘yung Department of Disaster Resilience na maisabatas,” he added.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go took the opportunity to remind residents about the utmost importance of prioritizing their health. He encouraged them to avail of medical assistance through the Malasakit Centers, conveniently located at Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital branches in Laak, Montevista, Maragusan, and Pantukan, as well as the Davao Regional Medical Center in nearby Tagum City.
Initiated by Go, the Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops, bringing together multiple government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to ensure medical assistance programs are within reach of indigent Filipinos.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, more commonly known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. With its nationwide presence, the program has proven it
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, more commonly known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. With its nationwide presence, the program has proven its effectiveness, benefiting over seven million Filipinos, as reported by the DOH.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has actively supported various infrastructure projects in Davao de Oro. His contributions include the construction of a multipurpose building in Compostela; construction of the Monkayo, Compostela Valley-Veruela Road; and improvement of the public market in Monkayo.
Other major initiatives he supported include the construction of the Nabunturan-Maco and Nabunturan-Laak roads; the installation of street lights in Nabunturan; the rehabilitation of the local roads and bridges in New Bataan; and the concreting of the local access road in Pantukan.
Recovering fire victims in Maco and Laak were also given additional assistance by Go last July 21.
