PASAY CITY -- As Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to push for the passage of his Senate Bill No. 205, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019, his team conducted a series of outreach efforts to more than a thousand flash flood victims in Barangay Hagonoy, Bulacan on Friday, August 20.

Go, in his video message, highlighted that the creation of the DDR shall concentrate on three significant areas, such as disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

Go also urged his fellow lawmakers to support the passage of the said measure as he emphasized that the establishment of the DDR will ensure a more proactive approach in addressing natural disasters.

Meanwhile, the Senator reminded the beneficiaries to stay disciplined and compliant with health preventive measures against COVID-19. He further encouraged them to take part in the vaccination program.

“Mayroon lang akong pakiusap sa inyo, magtiwala kayo sa bakuna. Ang bakuna ang susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating pamumuhay katulad noon,” he said.

“Kapag marami nang bakunado at bumaba na ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa ating komunidad, maaari na pong mas luwagan pa ang mga restrictions at mas makapagbubukas na muli ang iba pang mga industriya. Dadami na ulit ang trabaho at lalago na muli ang kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino. Iyan po ang gusto nating marating ngayong taon — population protection hanggang maging herd immunity,” he added.

The Senator’s team distributed meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 1,697 beneficiaries at the covered courts of Barangay Tagubuib and Pugad. The activity was conducted in batches to ensure strict adherence to the health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while some were given bicycles to ease their daily commute. Others were provided computer tablets so their children can study better under the blended learning set-up implemented by schools.

In addition, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed financial assistance as part of a set of intervention measures by the government for individuals and communities in crisis.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa iyo, Senator Bong Go, sa ginawa ninyong malaking pagtulong sa amin dito sa Barrio Pugad,” thanked an emotional Cristina Atienza, one of the beneficiaries.

“Napakalaki po ng nagawa ninyong tulong. Halos lahat po kami ay nasiyahan. Alam niyo naman po na pandemic at maraming nawalan ng trabaho kaya maraming, maraming salamat po sa ibinigay ninyong tulong,” she added.

In line with his commitment to improving access to healthcare, the Senator offered further assistance to any beneficiary in need of medical attention. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos and at the Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Santa Maria to avail of medical assistance.

The center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently access medical assistance from the relevant government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In 2019, Go authored and sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law aims to reduce a patients' hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various patient services and expenses, such as surgeries, laboratory tests and medicines.

The Senator went on to thank various individuals for their continuing service to marginalized communities, specifically Governor Daniel Fernando; Vice Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado; Mayor Raulito Manlapaz, Sr. as represented by her wife Flordeliza Manlapaz; and other local leaders.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported several infrastructure development initiatives in Bulacan with the aim of providing greater access to economic opportunities and public services. He also pushed for the rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and construction of a multi-purpose building in Barangay Niugan in Malolos City.

He also supported the construction of flood control structures along the Angat River; construction of local roads and multi-purpose buildings in various towns; provision of medical equipment in local hospitals; construction of concrete drainages; improvement of the Pandi District Hospital; and many more.

Last August 10, the Senator dispatched his team to Malolos City where they also provided relief and additional aid to 987 religious leaders. (OSBG)