PASAY CITY -- On Monday, August 23, Go showed his concern for 162 individuals who were victims in the recent fire incident that hit the public market in Teresa, Rizal last August 11 as he sent his team to distribute assistance to help them recover from the damages.

“Sa mga nasunugan po, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. ‘Yung gamit naman po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kinikita, magsipag lang kayo,” said Go in his video message

“Subalit ‘yung perang kinita niyo ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat po tayo, mga kababayan ko,” he added.

During the distribution, the fire victims received financial assistance, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Some recipients also received new pairs of shoes and bicycles.

Select beneficiaries were given computer tablets, an essential tool for their children who are taking up classes under the blended learning approach implemented in schools.

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave additional financial assistance to further help the victims to recover from the damages caused by the fire.

The residents also received fresh vegetables and medicines from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health, respectively.

More so, livelihood support will be given to qualified individuals who were evaluated by the staff of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Senator Go expressed his optimism that the Bureau of Fire Protection is one step closer to upgrading its capabilities in addressing fire-related concerns as Senate Bill No. 1832, otherwise known as the BFP Modernization Act, now awaits the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte after its bicameral conference committee report was ratified during the Senate session last August 4.

Under SBN 1832, the BFP will be mandated to develop a modernization program that will improve and enhance its functions. The components of which will include recruiting more firefighters, provision of specialized trainings for the firefighters, acquiring modern fire equipment, among others.

In addition, BFP will be tasked to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, especially in remote areas.

“Karagdagang kagamitan, karagdagang firefighters, monthly education campaign para turuan po ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat po dahil bawat bahay na nasusunog, nadadamay po ang kapitbahay. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo,” Go expressed.

As he continued his remarks, Senator Go reminded the public to comply with recommended health guidelines and participate in the national vaccination program to help curb the surge of the coronavirus infections.

Being the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go expressed his concern over Filipinos who are hesitant to seek medical care due to financial constraints. He then encouraged locals to visit any of the Malasakit Centers in the province as these centers will assist them with their medical expenses.

“Nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno at tutulungan po kayo - ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH at DSWD. Zero balance po ang target ng Malasakit Center. Para po sa mga poor and indigent patients ang Malasakit Center,” Go cited.

The Malasakit Centers in Rizal are located at Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV in Antipolo City, Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, and Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital in Cainta.

“Mahirap po ang masunugan ngayong panahon ng pandemya dahil doon po yung puwesto ko po sa palengke, yun lamang po ang aking source of income. Maraming, maraming salamat po at natulungan niyo po kami at nandiyan po kayo handang tumulong po sa amin,” Johanna Repuya, 46, shared in an interview.

As Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported various local infrastructure development initiatives to help boost economic opportunities in communities. He extended his support to the construction of roads along Canal La Trinidad-Omega at Brgy. San Gabriel in Teresa to improve accessibility and mobility.

The Senator also helped push for several infrastructure in Rizal, including the improvement of road and drainage system in the town; the construction of Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez, Rizal; the rehabilitation of flood control structures along the upper Marikina River; and the construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City.

Other projects he supported are the construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and construction of new roads in Baras; rehabilitation and improvement of roads in Rodriguez; purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo; and construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

Following his remarks, Go expressed his appreciation towards Representative Fidel Nograles, Governor Rebecca “Nini” Ynares, Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Mayor Raul Palino, Vice Mayor Jose Jeriel Villegas, and other local officials for their continuous efforts to ensure their constituents receive much needed support during crisis situations.

“Mga kababayan ko, magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan po tayo, at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go expressed.

“Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he ended.

On the same day, Senator Go had another team to distribute similar forms of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Angono, Rizal.

In 2019, Go was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued by the governors of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon. They cited his many years of service under President Duterte and “heart for his country” through the various projects he initiated which have benefited millions of Filipinos. (OSBG)