PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office conducted aid operations on October 25 and 26 for residents of Tabaco, Albay who are trying to rebuild their community in the wake of Typhoon Rolly.

In a video message, Senator Go expressed his sympathy for impacted residents and assured them that the government is still dedicated to helping them rebuild their community. Go also renewed his commitment to push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1228, which calls for the creation of mandatory evacuation centers 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 also reiterated his call for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience saying that while current mechanisms are in place, policy makers must be open to improving these further for the government to become more responsive to the changing times.

“Isang aspeto na dapat natin mas maisaayos pa ay ang inter-agency coordination. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit matagal ko nang inirerekomenda at paulit-ulit ko nang sinasabi na dapat magkaroon ng isang departamento na may secretary-level na in-charge para mayroong timon na tagapamahala ng preparedness, response, and resilience measures pagdating sa ganitong mga krisis at sakuna,” he explained.

He further said that this measure shall provide a clearer chain of command, more responsive mechanisms, and a more holistic and proactive approach in handling crisis situations in the country where natural disasters are considered “normal occurrences.”

Meanwhile, Go’s staff gave away meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 3,650 residents at the Tabaco Northwest and South Central Elementary Schools. They also gave away computer tablets, new pairs of shoes, and bicycles to selected residents.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development granted the residents financial assistance through their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program to further help their recovery.

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

The senator, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, pledged to assist those who require medical attention and informed them that they may avail of government medical assistance from the Malasakit Center in Bicol Regional and Training Center in Legazpi City or any of the other 145 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 is exerting great efforts to acquire sufficient vaccines to ensure that Filipinos are protected against the virus.

Go, as Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, supported the rehabilitation of flood control structures in the province. 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.

Go also expressed his gratitude toward the local public officials of Tabaco for their efforts to protect their constituents during these challenging times.

Despite having filed his candidacy for vice president for the upcoming national elections, Go stressed that his focus remains on fulfilling his mandate as a senator and on ensuring public service delivery amid the ongoing crisis.

“Sabi ko nga, mamaya na muna ‘yung pulitika, tapos na ‘yung filing, let’s go back to work. Unahin po natin ‘yung pagseserbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan bago ang halalan. At bakuna muna bago pulitika,” said Go. (OSBG)