PASAY CITY -- On Thursday, June 15, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s personnel spearheaded the relief operation for the victims of the recent fire incident in Calamba City, Laguna as part of the Senator’s pledge to help in the recovery of underprivileged communities amid the pandemic.
As safety and health protocols were strictly implemented, the staff of Go carried out the distribution activity at the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Calubang where they gave meals, masks, face shields, grocery packs, financial assistance, and vitamins to five individuals.
Representatives from several government agencies were also present and extended their assistance to hasten the recovery of affected beneficiaries.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development granted the recipients financial assistance. Moreover, the National Housing Authority provided additional aid through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program.
Additionally, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority evaluated potential individuals for their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.
In his video message, Go advised the beneficiaries to visit any of the two Malasakit Centers in Laguna located at San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City or Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz, if they may need any medical attention.
Before serving in the Senate, Go headed the launch of the first Malasakit Center in Cebu City in 2018. He then principally authored and sponsored the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act which President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law in December 2019.
“Malasakit Center, one-stop shop po ‘yan, nasa loob na po ng ospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno---PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD. Ang target po nito ay zero balance. Para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients,” said Go.
Go expressed his concern to Filipinos who are reluctant to take part in the vaccination program as he encouraged the beneficiaries to get inoculated to speed up the country’s return to normalcy.
“Ang bakuna po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, matakot ho kayo sa COVID-19,” Go said.
“Nakikiusap din po ako sa mga LGUs, sa ating national government, magtulungan po tayo. Kung kailangan po suyurin natin ‘yung mga senior citizens para protektado sila,” he added.
Go, then, mentioned the importance of enhancing and upgrading the Bureau of Fire Protection as he cited the timely passage of Senate Bill No. 1832, otherwise known as the BFP Modernization Act.
The proposed measure seeks to develop a modernization program that shall mandate the BFP to hire more firefighters, acquire new fire equipment, provide specialized training programs, among others.
“Importante dito makabalik na po tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Kailangan lang namin ng kooperasyon at tulong at disiplina po ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino,” said Go.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he has since supported the funding of numerous infrastructure projects in Laguna, such as the procurement of a new ambulance unit, and construction of Calamba City Hospital.
