PASAY CITY -- On Thursday, October 21, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go conducted a relief operation for the residents of Malilipot, Albay whose lives were distraught by Typhoon Rolly that hit their community in 2020.

In his video message, Senator Go offered his support to affected residents and reassured them that the government remains committed to helping build their community back better. Go then renewed his push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1228 which provides for the establishment of a mandatory evacuation center in every municipality, city, and province.

“Nakita naman natin ang matinding pangangailangan para sa mga istrukturang ito na nagsisilbing panandaliang tahanan ng mga Pilipino sa tuwing may bagyo o anumang natural disaster. Huwag nating antayin na may panibagong sakuna pang dumating. Umaksyon na tayo dapat para maprotektahan lalo ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” said Go.

Go’s staff gave away meals, vitamins, masks, and face shields to a total of 1,134 residents at the respective covered courts of Barangay San Jose and San Jose National High School. They also gave computer tablets, new pairs of shoes, and bicycles to selected residents.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted the residents financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program to further help them recover from the calamity.

The activities were conducted in small batches and in strict compliance with government health protocols.

"Sa atin pong mahal na Pangulo at kay Senator Bong Go, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tulong na pinapaabot niyo sa aming mahihirap lalo na po ngayong pandemic," Sheryl Bilanghel, one of the beneficiaries, shared in an interview.

"Napakalaki po ng tulong na ibinibigay niyo at nagiging inspirasyon po kayo sa amin na ipagpatuloy ang buhay kahit na may kaharap tayong malaking pagsubok," she continued.

The senator, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, then pledged to support any person who may require medical attention and informed them that they may avail medical assistance from the Malasakit Center in Bicol Regional and Training Center in Legazpi City or any of the other 144 centers found throughout the country.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na, isinulong ko po noon bilang inyong senador, pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte. One-stop shop po ‘yan, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD, tutulungan ho kayo hanggang maging zero balance po at wala na kayong babayaran sa inyong pagpapaospital,” Go explained.

He also urged the public to participate in the national vaccination program to ensure that the country attains population protection leading to herd immunity. The senator reaffirmed that the government exerted great efforts to acquire these vaccines to make certain that Filipinos are protected against the virus.

Senator Go, as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, vowed to help the province to recover from calamities and other crisis situations as he supported the rehabilitation of flood control structures in the municipality.

He also supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas, and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran, and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control system in Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Libon, Malinao, Manito, Oas, and Polangui.

Ending his remarks, he expressed his gratitude towards the public officials of Malilipot for their efforts to protect their constituents during these challenging times. (OSBG)