PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance on Friday, August 20, to fire victims whose houses were burned down during a fire incident in Villa Beatriz, Old Balara, Quezon City on August 13.
While complying with strict health and safety protocols imposed by authorities, Go’s team distributed meals, medicines, financial assistance, food packs, vitamins, masks, and face shields to 22 affected families. The activity was conducted in batches to comply with physical distancing standards.
In a video message to the victims, Go expressed his concern and support for them, saying that he immediately instructed his staff to come to their aid upon finding out about their situation.
“Para sa amin, walang tulog ang serbisyo, lalo na sa oras ng inyong pangangailangan. Kahit anumang problema ang inyong kinakaharap, handa akong tumulong at magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he told the residents in a video message.
Go also expressed his concern for the fire victims who lost their homes. He mentioned that he filed Senate Bill No. 203 or the National Housing Development, Production and Financing (NHDPF) bill to provide Filipinos better access to government housing projects, targeting those who do not own a home as well as those whose homes were destroyed by calamities or natural disasters.
“Hangarin ko na wala nang squatter sa sariling bayan. Gusto kong magkaroon ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ng isang maayos at disenteng bahay,” Go said in his earlier pronouncements.
Senate Bill No. 203 seeks to generate and mobilize funds to increase low-cost quality housing production; provide support mechanisms to improve access to housing options; guarantee the development of a strong, sustainable, accessible and affordable housing finance system; and increase private sector participation, among others.
Aside from the said measure, Go also filed SBN 1227 or the Rental Housing Subsidy Act. The bill seeks to provide indigent families and those displaced by natural and man-made disasters with improved access to the formal housing market by offering a rental subsidy.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present during the distribution of aid to provide separate financial assistance to the fire victims.
Personnel from the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority also assessed and validated possible beneficiaries for the livelihood and housing assistance, respectively, from the government.
Go also urged beneficiaries suffering from medical conditions to seek assistance in the nearby Malasakit Centers located at the Lung Center of the Philippines, Novaliches District Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and East Avenue Medical Center, all in Quezon City.
