PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who continues to aid disaster victims around the country, renewed his call for the creation of a specialized department to provide a proactive and holistic approach in preparing for and managing the impacts of calamities and other natural disasters.

In a video message during a series of aid activities in Isabela on Wednesday, August 11, Go renewed his call for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience. He said that while current mechanisms are in place, policy makers must be open to improving these further to ensure that the government becomes more responsive to the changing times.

“Isang aspeto na dapat natin mas maisaayos pa ay ang inter-agency coordination. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit matagal ko nang inirerekomenda at paulit-ulit ko nang sinasabi na dapat magkaroon ng isang departamento na may secretary-level na in-charge para mayroong timon na tagapamahala ng preparedness, response, and resilience measures pagdating sa ganitong mga krisis at sakuna,” he previously said.

President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his support for Senate Bill No. 205, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019, in his final State of the Nation Address on July 26, which is still a priority legislative measure for the government. The proposed legislation, introduced by Go in 2019, calls for a more proactive government response to natural and human-caused disasters.

To help local communities cope with calamities, Go also reaffirmed his resolve to see Senate Bill No. 1228 passed, which calls for the construction of an evacuation center in every town, city, and province.

"Dapat mayroon tayong mga safe, permanent and dedicated evacuation centers kung saan pwede makapagpahinga ang mga apektado na residente. Dapat may komportableng higaan, comfort rooms at maayos na sanitation para hindi sila magkasakit,” explained Go.

Meanwhile, Go's team gave aid to 350 typhoon victims in Ramon, San Mateo, and Cabatuan towns in Isabela during aid activities organized by his team at the Bugallon Norte Community Center in Ramon, Governor Faustino N. Dy Multi-Purpose Center in San Mateo, and Social Hall Gymnasium in Cabatuan.

Go further urged the residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in light of recent changes in health protocols aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has remained focused on efforts to restore normalcy in the country, encouraging Filipinos to participate in the national vaccination program, particularly those who are part of the A4 and A5 priority groups.

“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 healthcare 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.

To help in the economic development of the towns visited, Go earlier supported the construction of the Nagbacalan-Bantog Bridge in Ramon; and the concreting and rehabilitation of roads in Cabatuan and San Mateo.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported the water systems in Cabagan, San Pablo, and Santa Maria towns; 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, Reina Mercedes, Roxas, San Guillermo, San Isidro, and San Mariano; construction of bridges in 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 Representatives Faustino Michael Dy III and Paul Dy; Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano II, Vice Governor Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III; Ramon Mayor Jesus D. Laddaran and Vice Mayor Dennis Jon A. Dela Cruz; San Mateo Mayor Gregorio Pua; and Cabatuan Mayor Charlton "Tonton" Uy and Vice Mayor Mario Acosta; and other local government officials for working hand-in-hand and ensuring that their communities recover from the challenges caused by the pandemic.

Go’s team conducted similar distribution activities in the neighboring towns of Mallig on August 9, Santiago and Cordon on August 10. (OSBG)