REBUILD LIVES, RESTORE NORMALCY IN DISASTER AFFECTED COMMUNITIES: BONG GO VISITS CEBU TO BOOST RECOVERY AND REBUILDING EFFORTS OF FIRE VICTIMS

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally checked on the situation of recovering fire victims and extended support in their rebuilding efforts during his visit in Cebu on Friday, December 6.

During the gathering held at the Mandaue City Sports Complex, the senator called on Filipinos to continue embracing the spirit of bayanihan to overcome life’s adversities.

Together with his Malasakit Team, Go provided relief, such as grocery packs, meals, vitamins, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to a total of 1,477 recovering fire victims from Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu Cities. There were also select recipients of bicycles, shoes, and mobile phones.

In addition to this, the National Housing Authority (NHA) extended financial assistance under its Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). This aid will help the beneficiaries purchase essential housing materials and rebuild their homes after the devastation.

“Ito pong EHAP ay ating isinulong at patuloy na sinusuportahan para may pambili ang mga biktima ng sakuna ng materyales tulad ng mga pako at yero na pampaayos ng tahanan,” Go stressed.

Through his Malasakit Team, Go also provided similar assistance to hundreds more recovering fire victims in Cebu City on the same day.

“Patuloy akong 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,” emphasized Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate brand of service.

Together with local leaders, Go emphasized the need for vigilance and intensified fire prevention efforts in local communities. He acknowledged the efforts of the respective local governments of Mandaue City and Lapu-lapu City in helping restore normalcy in the lives of the victims.

“Alam ko mahirap masunugan, napakalungkot masunugan. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ang gamit, nabibili natin ‘yan. Ang pera po’y kikitain natin ‘yan, magsipag lang po tayo. Ngunit ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Walang part two po sa buhay. Kaya pangalagaan po natin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat isa. Magtulungan po tayo. Tulungan po natin ang ating kapwa,” Go shared with the affected families.

Meanwhile, Go highlighted the recent signing of Republic Act No. 12076, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of safe, permanent, and well-equipped mandatory evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities across the country. He personally witnessed the ceremonial signing of the said law earlier that day.

As the principal author and one of the co-sponsors of the law, Go reiterated the urgent need for dedicated facilities to provide refuge for disaster-affected communities to protect their dignity, promote their safety, and boost their recovery further.

“Matagal na po nating isinusulong ang pagkakaroon ng permanenteng evacuation centers. Napapanahon na po ito upang masigurong maayos at ligtas ang masisilungan ng mga kababayan natin tuwing may sakuna,” Go emphasized. “Ang batas na ito ay para sa lahat, upang maiwasan ang hirap at peligro na dulot ng pananatili sa mga hindi angkop na pansamantalang tirahan.”

Meanwhile, as the primary author and co-sponsor of RA 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, Go assured the victims that the government remains committed to enhancing fire prevention and emergency response capabilities.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a health reforms crusader, Go further emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare during crises, underscoring his advocacy for the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country. These centers aim to provide basic health services such as primary care, medical consultations and early disease detection in underserved areas.

“Patuloy po nating sisikaping dalhin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa bawat sulok ng bansa. Ang Super Health Centers ay malaking tulong sa mga kababayan natin, lalo na sa mga lugar na mahirap abutin,” Go said.

Highlighting his role in supporting healthcare initiatives, Senator Go shared that funding for 21 Super Health Centers has been allocated for the province of Cebu so far. Nationwide, more than 700 Super Health Centers are funded through the collaborative efforts of Go, the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers.

Go also encouraged the victims to stay strong and assured them of continued support. He also reminded those with medical needs to seek medical assistance at any of the Malasakit Centers in Cebu province, located at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, Cebu City Medical Center, Eversley Childs Sanitarium Hospital in Mandaue City, Talisay District Hospital in, Lapu-Lapu District Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has aided more than 15 million Filipinos.

“Minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano po kabutihan o tulong na pwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po na inyong Kuya Bong Go ay patuloy na maglilingkod sa inyo,” Go concluded.

Ending his day in Cebu, Go also personally joined the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Cebu Chapter Year-End General Assembly in Cebu City.