PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his appeal to create a focused agency to ensure a proactive and holistic approach in preparing for calamities and other natural disasters as he continues to assist calamity victims nationwide. Recently, Go’s team distributed aid to 500 typhoon victims in Mallig, Isabela on Monday, August 9.

In his video message during the relief operation conducted at Mallig Municipal Gym, Go expressed his sympathy and gave his reassurance that together with his fellow lawmakers, he will continue to strive for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 205, otherwise known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019.

Under the proposed measure, DDR aims to provide a much faster and efficient government response to calamities by putting together concerned agencies under a single department. Go emphasized the need to establish a department that will solely address all disaster-related concerns as the country is considered to be vulnerable to typhoons and other natural calamities.

“Ito pong departamentong ito ang makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs. Bago dumating ang bagyo, naka preposition na po ang goods, coordination with LGUs, ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at pag-alis po ng bagyo, may efforts to restore to normalcy and rehabilitate communities kaagad sa mga tinamaan,” Go explained.

Go also requested the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities amid recent modifications on some restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Being Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go remains focused on efforts towards the country’s return to normalcy as he encouraged the public to participate in the national vaccination program, especially those who are now included in the A4 and A5 priority groups.

“Mga kababayan ko, mahigit 24 million doses na po o 24 million jabs na po ang naiturok, almost 13 million individuals na po ang vaccinated ng first dose at mahigit 11 million na po ang nakakumpleto na po ng kanilang second dose,” said Go.

“Magtiwala lang ho kayo sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Magtiwala lang ho kayo sa gobyerno, mga kababayan ko,” he continued.

As part of his commitment to provide more convenient access to quality health care services, Go advised the beneficiaries that they may seek medical attention at Gov. Faustino Dy, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Ilagan City or Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist them with their hospital expenses.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno---‘yung PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD, tutulong po sa inyo hanggang maging zero balance po ang inyong billing,” Go said.

“Para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients at dapat po mayro’ng express lane para sa mga disabled at senior citizens sa mga Malasakit Center. Malasakit Center – para po ‘yan sa Pilipino,” he added

Go’s team then handed out relief items, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins while they strictly adhered to safety and health protocols as imposed by the government.

Select beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes and bicycles. Others then received computer tablets that their children may utilize for their education.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted the typhoon victims with financial assistance to further help them recover and build back better.

A scrap vendor and a mother of six children, Vanessa Soriano shared her current struggles in providing for her family since the pandemic started, saying, “Mahirap na po ang mangalakal, lalo pa pong humirap nung nagkaroon ng pandemya dahil malakas po ang virus. Kaya po nagpapasalamat po ako kay Senator Go, napakalaking tulong po ito saming mahihirap. Sa mga katulad ko na mahihirap at lumalaban ngayong pandemya, kapit lang po tayo. Tutulungan po tayo ng gobyerno.”

To help in the economic development of Mallig, Go extended his support in the construction of Casili Bridge II. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported the funding for the water systems in Cabagan, San Pablo, and Santa Maria towns.

He also supported the rehabilitation of the provincial road in Brgy. Centro, Cabagan; construction of a slope protection structure in Limbauan and Cabagan; construction of multi-purpose buildings in San Pablo, Naguilian and Quezon; concreting of farm-to-market and other existing roads in Luna, Maconacon, Maria Aurora, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, Roxas, San Guillermo, San Isidro, San Mariano, and San Mateo; construction of bridges in Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Guillermo and San Mariano; construction of a flood control structure in Santiago City; and the construction of a slaughterhouse in Luna, among others.

Ending his message, Go gave recognition to Representative Faustino Michael Dy III, Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano II, Vice Governor Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III, Mayor Jose Calderon, Vice Mayor Diosdado Felipe, and other local government officials for working hand-in-hand and ensuring that their community recovers from the challenges caused by the pandemic.

Go’s team conducted similar distribution activities in neighboring towns of Cabagan, San Pablo and Santa Maria last August 6. (OSBG)