‘PANGALAGAAN ANG BUHAY AT KALUSUGAN NG BAWAT PILIPINO’ — BONG GO VISITS TAGUIG CITY TO HELP RECOVERING FIRE VICTIMS REBUILD

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his compassionate brand of public service as he personally extended additional support to fire victims in Barangay Tanyag, Taguig City, on Wednesday, December 11, to help rebuild and recover.

As an advocate for disaster resilience, Go highlighted the importance of Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. Principally authored and co-sponsored by the senator, the law aims to significantly enhance the firefighting capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) through a 10-year modernization program. The program includes acquiring state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, recruiting additional personnel, and offering specialized training to responders.

In addition to legislative support, Go has been instrumental in ensuring swift assistance for affected families through the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). This program, which he actively champions, provides financial aid to families affected by disasters, including fires, typhoons, and earthquakes to help them rebuild.

Addressing the victims, Go offered words of encouragement. “Mga kababayan, sa mga nasunugan, ‘wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan kung magtutulungan tayo. Ang pera, kikitain ‘yan basta magsumikap tayo. Pero ang buhay, hindi mabibili. A lost life is a lost life forever.”

“Nandito lang po ako, handang tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya. Pangalagaan po natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat isa,” he added.

The senator also underscored the importance of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers across the country. As the principal author and co-sponsor of the law in the Senate, Go stressed the urgent need for such facilities to ensure the safety and dignity of disaster-affected communities.

During the relief operation, a total of 228 families from various barangays in Taguig City received essential supplies, including grocery packs, snacks, fans, shirts, vitamins, basketballs, and volleyballs. Select beneficiaries also received additional items, such as mobile phones, bicycles, a watch, and shoes.

Go then acknowledged his fellow public servants, including Senators Alan Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, Mayor Lani Cayetano, and Vice Mayor Arvin Alit, among others.

As part of his comprehensive approach to public service, Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a health reforms crusader, reminded residents of health concerns of the availability of the Malasakit Center at Taguig-Pateros District Hospital.

The Malasakit Centers program, initiated by Go in 2018, was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.

“Mayroon na tayong 166 na Malasakit Centers. Ang Malasakit Center ay batas na ‘yan na aking isinulong, na pinirmahan ni dating presidente Rodrigo Duterte. One-stop shop, nasa loob ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO DOH, DSWD, tutulungan kayo. Para talaga ‘yan sa poor and indigent patient. Para iyan sa Pilipino, inyo talaga ang Malasakit Center,” explained Go.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), Malasakit Centers have assisted over 15 million Filipinos in accessing much-needed medical care.

Beyond his disaster response efforts, Go has also supported numerous initiatives aimed at improving the community of Taguig City. These include the procurement of ambulances, patrol cars, and a dump truck, showcasing his dedication to local development as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance in partnership with the city government.

The senator concluded his visit with a heartfelt message to his fellow Filipinos. “Mga kababayan, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung anumang kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Iyan naman ang totoo. 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.”

Aside from assisting fire victims, Go, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports and Youth, attended the All-Star Basketball Friendship Game Opening Ceremony in Quezon City, in celebration of World Basketball Week. He also participated in the Oriental Mindoro Mayors Christmas Party later that day.