BONG GO VISITS RECOVERING FIRE VICTIMS IN DAVAO CITY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO HELP REBUILD

After his visit to Cebu province, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited the victims of a fire in Davao City on Friday, September 20 and provided support in their rebuilding efforts.

“Sa mga kababayan kong Dabawenyo na nasunugan, huwag kayong mag-alala. Ang mga gamit nabibili at ang pera kikitain ulit, pero ang buhay hindi mabibili. A lost life is a lost life forever. Isang buhay lang ito, kaya dapat natin ingatan at pangalagaan,” Go compassionately remarked while addressing the victims and assuring them of his continued service amid crises.

In coordination with the local government of Davao City and the National Housing Authority, the 382 fire victims benefitted from the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) that Go advocated for to help victims procure materials for rebuilding their homes.

“Patuloy kong isinusulong ang EHAP upang matulungan kayong makabili ng materyales tulad ng yero, kahoy, at semento para makapagtayo muli ng maayos na tahanan,” Go explained, adding that he will ensure continuous support for such programs to aid in recovery efforts.

In addition to the assistance, Go distributed additional aid to the affected families, including grocery packs, snacks, facemasks, vitamins, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs. A few recipients were also given shoes, mobile phones, and watches.

All families were residents from Barangays 74-A Matina Crossing, 23-C, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde, San Vicente Leon Garcia, Pampanga, Governor Vicente Duterte, and Calinan.

“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin, trabaho ko po ito,” Go humbly stated, reminding the victims that it is his responsibility to help and serve the people to the best of his ability. “Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil nabigyan kami ng pagkakataong magserbisyo sa inyong lahat.”

During his visit, Go also highlighted the importance of proposed legislative measures he is championing, including Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to institutionalize a Rental Housing Subsidy Program. The proposed measure aims to help disaster victims gain better access to housing through rental subsidies, easing their financial burden as they recover.

Furthermore, as the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, Go stressed the need for continued modernization of the country’s fire-fighting capabilities.

The Act outlines a ten-year modernization program that includes the recruitment of more firefighters, the acquisition of advanced equipment, and specialized training programs. Go emphasized the importance of fire prevention and education, encouraging regular fire safety campaigns in collaboration with local government units and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also urged fire victims to seek medical assistance from nearby Malasakit Centers, including the one at Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city.

The Malasakit Centers, which he helped establish through Republic Act No. 11463, serve as one-stop shops for various government medical assistance programs. With over 166 operational centers nationwide, the program has helped around 12 million Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo, dahil bisyo ko na po ang magserbisyo,” Go said, reaffirming his dedication to serving Filipinos in need, particularly during challenging times.

During his visit to Cebu City earlier that day, Go provided assistance to displaced workers in Cebu City and San Fernando. He also helped cooperatives of Region 7 and attended the groundbreaking of the San Fernando Super Health Center.

In the evening, Go attended the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) National Assembly, also in Davao City.