PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go concluded its two-day relief effort in Surigao del Sur on Friday, July 2, by delivering much needed recovery aid to the towns of Lianga and Barobo that are still reeling from the devastation caused by Typhoon Vicky in mid-December of last year.

Go’s personnel provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 82 residents at the Barangay Banahaw, Lianga and Brgy. Tambis, Barobo covered courts. Furthermore, a team from the National Housing Authority also handed out financial assistance through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program in a separate distribution.

The Senator assured concerned local officials that his office is always ready to help should they need more support and assistance from the national government.

“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil patuloy kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na magseserbisyo sa inyo. Gagawin namin ang lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya upang tulungan kayo kaya ‘wag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa aming opisina,” said Go.

“Ngayon, kung mayroong mga pasyente na kailangan ng tulong, pwede niyo rin kaming lapitan at kami na ang sasagot sa pagpapa-ospital kahit pagpapa-opera ng tao. Kung hindi kaya diyan, tutulungan namin silang makakuha ng serbisyong medikal dito sa Maynila,” he added.

The Senator further advised patients to visit the Malasakit Center at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance to help settle their hospital and medical related bills.

The center is a one-stop shop which houses the desk representatives of the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering various patient services and expenses.

“Salamat sa gobyerno at lahat ng staff na nandito para sa kasipagan at pagtulong sa amin. Sana ay gamitin naming lahat ang ayudang ibinigay ngayon para tapusin ang mga nasira naming bahay. Malaki ang aking pasasalamat talaga para sa ayuda. Sa tingin ko, masaya ang mga kasama ko dahil matatapos na ang kanilang problema,” shared Nestor Rolete, a resident of Barobo.

Before ending his message, the Senator vowed to push for measures that would fast track recovery efforts and build a more resilient nation.

Go reiterated his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205, a measure he filed in 2019 which seeks to create a Department of Disaster Resilience that would be primarily responsible for ensuring that local communities are well-adapted, resilient and safe from the impacts of climate change.

He also filed Senate Bill No. 1227, also known as the Rental Subsidy Program Act, in 2019 which provides low-income families and those displaced by disasters with subsidies so they can relocate and have better access to the formal housing market.

“Gagawin ko ang parte ko sa Senado upang isulong ang lahat ng mga nais nating makamit sa pamamagitan ng pagpasa ng mga makabuluhan at epektibong batas,” promised Go.

Go went on to express his gratitude to local officials for their continuing cooperation and assistance to their affected constituents. Among those he specifically thanked were Governor Alexander Pimentel, Vice Governor Librado Navarro, Barobo Mayor Joey Pama and Vice Mayor Allan Bernal, and Lianga Mayor Novelita Sarmen.

In line with his commitment to Suriganons, the Senator supported the funding for the construction of farm-to-market roads in Barobo and the purchase of an ambulance for the Lianga municipal government, among others.

His team also carried out similar activities for the towns of Hinatuan and Tagbina the previous day, July 1. All activities were carried out in batches and observance of other required health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)