On Friday, March 3, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and his team distributed assistance to his fellow Davaoeños in Barangay Ilang, Davao City who were affected by the recent flash flood. During his visit, he also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of an evacuation center and a road concreting project.
In his speech, Go expressed his concern for the flood victims, prompting him to personally bring assistance to the affected communities.
“Nandito ako dahil mayroon akong dalang tulong sa inyo. Nabalitaan ko na noong nakaraang linggo nabahaan daw kayo dito. Kaya tinawagan ko ang aking staff, si Kapitan nakipag-coordinate agad,” said Go.
The senator expressed his commitment to serving the people, especially those affected by natural disasters and other crisis situations.
“Nakarating nga ako ng Jolo, sunog sa tabi ng dagat sa mga Badjao. Nakarating nga ako ng Batanes, lindol, nagbukas rin kami ng Malasakit Center. ‘Yang naririnig n’yo sa TV na ‘mula Aparri hanggang Jolo,’ ako nakarating na talaga ako doon para tumulong,” he said.
“Nakarating na ako d’yan dahil ang pangako ko sa mga Pilipino, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko kayo basta kaya ng aking katawan at tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil mahal ko po kayo at mahal ko ang pagseserbisyo sa kapwa ko Pilipino,” added Go.
Meanwhile, Go lauded the establishment of the new evacuation center in the city which he pushed for and supported the funding for its construction. He highlighted that “evacuation centers play a crucial role in providing a safe haven for those affected by calamities such as floods, earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions.”
The newly constructed evacuation center in Brgy. Ilang will serve as a safe space for the community during times of disaster, equipped with necessary facilities to accommodate those who require shelter.
Go then stressed the importance of having adaptive and disaster-resilient communities. He continues to push for stronger coping mechanisms that would effectively and safely address disaster-related incidents in the Philippines, especially as the country’s geographical location makes it more prone to weather disturbances.
He reiterated his push for his proposed bills which seek to create the Department of Disaster Resilience and require the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers in every province, city and municipality.
Senate Bill No. 188 or the proposed Disaster Resilience Act aims to create a cabinet-secretary level department that will be focused on developing and implementing holistic measures that would improve the government’s capability to efficiently respond to calamities and other disasters.
Meanwhile, SBN 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, aims to ensure that disaster victims will have temporary shelters that will guarantee their safety and welfare while they recover and rebuild their lives.
Go also joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a road concreting project from Purok Farmville to Purok 36 Seabreeze / Kobbler Federation in the barangay. He was joined by Davao City Councilor Cheche Justol and the Barangay Council of Ilang led by Barangay Captain Amado Babao.
The project which he also supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance will provide better access and safer transportation for the residents. It will also improve the overall connectivity of the community to nearby areas, making it easier for residents to access important services.
Go then reiterated his commitment to public service and to addressing the needs of his countrymen.
“Bilang isang public servant, isa po sa mga prayoridad ko ang maibsan ang kahirapan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
During the relief activity, Go and his team assisted 704 beneficiaries who received grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts. They also provided cellular phones, shoes, watches, and caps to select beneficiaries.
In addition, the senator gave away bicycles and balls for volleyball and basketball to several residents.
Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
Apart from the relief items, the senator, who also serves as head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered additional help to those who require medical treatment. He likewise encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city.
The center is a one-stop shop where particularly poor and indigent patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are already 155 such centers nationwide.
Meanwhile, the senator also extended his support in the construction of 11 Super Health Centers in the city, which will be strategically located in areas where basic health services are not easily accessible.
The Super Health Center is an improved version of the rural health unit. It offers health services including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.
Through Go’s initiative and with the help of his fellow lawmakers, some 307 SHCs were funded in 2022. The senator likewise successfully pushed for sufficient funds for the construction of more centers in this year’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads; rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city; and the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for the SPMC and acquisition of ambulances.
Go then recognized the leadership and service of his fellow Davaoeño officials, particularly Vice President Sara Duterte, Congressman Paolo Duterte, and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, expressing his utmost support for their efforts in bringing government services closer to the people and promoting development in the region.
“Mga mahal kong kababayan dito sa Davao City, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, sa ating kapitbahay, ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” the senator concluded.