PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call for the passage of a measure to help displaced Filipinos find decent housing at reasonable costs as his team stepped in to help the families who found themselves without a home due to a road widening project in Pangantucan, Bukidnon.

His team carried out an activity at the Pangantucan Central Elementary School covered court on Friday, August 13, during which they distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 250 residents.

They provided selected beneficiaries new pairs of shoes, while some were given bicycles so they have better access to basic needs and services. Others also received computer tablets, an important educational tool, to help their children under the blended learning set-up.

In a separate distribution, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development carried out a second round of financial assistance as part of a set of intervention measures by the government for communities in crisis. The initial round was held in June following an appeal for assistance by the Senator.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority was likewise present to assess potential beneficiaries for their scholarship program. The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry, in turn, committed to extend further aid based on their existing assistance programs.

“Hangarin ko magkaroon ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ng isang disenteng bahay. Sa aking pag-iikot, isa sa pinaka-importanteng problema na nakikita ko ay ang kakulangan ng maayos na tirahan na nagreresulta sa mga mas malalang suliranin, gaya ng kawalan ng trabaho, kahirapan, mabilis na pagkalat ng sakit at pati sunog,” said Go

“Ngayon na patuloy ang paglaban natin sa pandemya, madalas, mas takot pa ang mga tao na mawalan ng matitirahan kaysa magkasakit ng COVID-19,” he added.

In recognition of every Filipino’s right to decent housing, the Senator filed Senate Bill No. 203 or the National Housing Development, Production and Financing Bill in 2019 which provides for a comprehensive national housing plan to accelerate low-cost housing production in the country.

He filed SBN 1227 or the Rental Housing Subsidy Act so families displaced by disasters can avail rental subsidies and access the formal housing market.

In a video message at the activity, Go offered further support to any beneficiary with health-related concerns. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center located at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Maramag where they may avail of government assistance for their hospital and other related expenses.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which provides poor and indigent patients convenient access to the medical assistance offered by the relevant agencies, namely, the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The program, which Go launched in 2018 and subsequently legislated in 2019, has 136 operational centers nationwide. Two new locations were opened at the Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City, Basilan and the Labuan General Hospital in Zamboanga City on Saturday, August 15.

"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Presidente Rodrigo Duterte at Kuya Bong Go para sa assistance at iba pang mga tulong na ibinigay nila sa amin, gaya ng aking bagong sapatos," said Vicentina Montebon.

The Senator went on to thank public officials for their efforts to assist and resolve the displacement of the families. Among those present during the activities were Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr.; Vice Governor Rogelio Quino; Mayor Miguel Silva, Jr.; Vice Mayor Manolito Garces; and Councilors Pedro Liboon, Cristopher Garces, Armando Evangelista, Jr., Jab Gipulla, Ian Boy Garcenila, Edward Hernandez, Warlito Pactol, Pio Secadron, Rodelio Lucero, Eric Salido, and Farrah Geron.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go has supported the funding of various projects in Bukidnon, such as the construction or improvement of the Pangantucan section of the Southern Bukidnon Agri-Industrial Economic Zone road network; missing road links in Baungon, Libona and Talakag; access road leading to the Bukidnon Airport; farm-to-market and local roads in Cabanglasan, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Lantapan, San Fernando, Talakag and Valencia City; and other road linkages throughout the province.

On August 12 and 13, Go’s team also extended aid to 1,234 motorela and payong-payong drivers at Valencia City. All activities were carried out in batches to ensure strict adherence to the health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)