BONG GO’S DISASTER RESPONSE BRINGS HOPE AND SUPPORT TO TYPHOON CARINA VICTIMS IN PASAY CITY

In the wake of Typhoon Carina’s devastating impact, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go showcased his commitment to compassionate public service by quickly extending aid to the affected residents of Pasay City.

Arriving in the city on Sunday, July 28, Go’s Malasakit Team wasted no time in coordinating relief efforts, ensuring that the city’s most affected communities received the immediate assistance they desperately needed.

Held in Barangay 156, Zone 16, Go collaborated with Councilor Grace Santos and former Councilor Ian Vendivel to distribute essential food packs to over 250 affected families. Go then emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in facing such challenges. “Sa panahon ng sakuna, ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ang susi upang malampasan natin ang lahat ng pagsubok,” he stated.

He also assured the residents that his office will continue to work closely with both local and national authorities to ensure sustained support for the affected areas.

Looking forward, Go pledged that he and his Malasakit Team will continue to assist various typhoon-hit areas, reinforcing his commitment to being on the front lines during times of crisis.

“Tandaan po natin ang gamit po nabibili. Ang damit po nalalabhan. Ang pera po’y kikitain. Subalit ang perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Diyos lang po ang nakakaalam kung kailan tayo mawawala sa mundong ito. Pasalamat tayo buhay po tayo at magtulungan lang po tayo,” Go said.

The senator also underscored the urgent need to enhance disaster recovery and resilience, drawing attention to Senate Bill No. 188, his proposed legislation aimed at establishing the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) that would focus on comprehensive strategies to improve disaster preparedness and response if enacted into law.

Go also highlighted Senate Bill No. 2451, the Ligtas Pinoy Centers bill, primarily sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and co-sponsored by Go, who is also one of its authors. This proposed legislation aims to establish permanent, fully equipped mandatory evacuation centers nationwide.

“Kung maisabatas ito, hindi na magsisiksikan pa sa temporary shelters ang mga kababayan natin sa oras na may sakuna. Kapag may Mandatory Evacuation Centers, dapat ay malinis, maayos, at komportable ang tutuluyan ng mga kababayan natin para hindi magkasakit. Hindi na rin mahihirapan pa ang mga mamamayang naghihirap na,” he said.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered assistance to those with health issues, encouraging them to visit the Malasakit Center at Pasay City General Hospital.

Go launched the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 to provide convenient aid to poor patients by consolidating medical assistance programs by concerned agencies in one location. Since its institutionalization under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally sponsored and authored, the program has aided around ten million Filipinos and established 166 centers nationwide.

Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service, reassured the people of his commitment to help those in need especially the poor, saying, “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.”