PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his appeal to create a focused department to ensure a proactive and holistic approach in addressing calamities and other natural disasters as he continues to assist typhoon victims nationwide.

Recently, Go’s team distributed aid to 1,606 typhoon victims in Bacacay, Albay on Friday, October 22 following his relief efforts in Malilipot, Malinao, and Tiwi.

In his video message during the distribution activities organized at the respective covered courts of Bacacay East Central School and Barangay Baclayon, Go expressed his deep concern and reassured that he and his fellow lawmakers will continue to push for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 205, otherwise known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019.

The proposed law aims to provide a much faster and efficient government response to calamities by putting together concerned agencies under a single department. Go stressed the need to establish a department that will focus on all disaster-related concerns, especially considering that the country is prone to typhoons and other natural calamities.

“Ito pong departamentong ito ang makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs. Bago dumating ang bagyo, naka preposition na po ang goods, coordination with LGUs, ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at pag-alis po ng bagyo, may efforts to restore to normalcy and rehabilitate communities kaagad sa mga tinamaan,” Go explained.

Go remains committed to support the country's return to normalcy as he appealed to the public to remain vigilant and supportive to the government's inoculation efforts by participating in the national vaccination program.

“Magtiwala lang ho kayo sa bakuna. Ang bakuna po ang susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay. Magtiwala lang ho kayo sa gobyerno, mga kababayan ko,” he continued.

As part of his commitment to provide more convenient access to quality health care services, Go advised the beneficiaries that they may seek medical attention at Bicol Regional and Training Center in Legazpi City where there is a Malasakit Center ready to assist them with their hospital expenses.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno---‘yung PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD, tutulong po sa inyo hanggang maging zero balance po ang inyong billing,” Go said.

“Para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients at dapat po mayro’ng express lane para sa mga disabled at senior citizens sa mga Malasakit Center. Malasakit Center – para po ‘yan sa Pilipino,” he added

Go’s team then handed out relief items, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins while strictly implementing safety and health protocols imposed by the government.

They also gave new pairs of shoes and bicycles to selected residents. They also gave computer tablets for children’s use under the blended learning approach.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted the typhoon victims with financial assistance to further help them recover and build back better.

Go then recognized the local government leaders of Bacacay for working hand-in-hand and ensuring that their constituents can fully recover from the challenges caused by the pandemic.

To further help the economy of the province, Senator Go, who also serves as the Vice Chair of Senate on Finance, 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 Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Libon, Malinao, Manito, Oas, and Polangui. (OSBG)