PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his commitment to help communities in crisis situations especially amid an ongoing pandemic. He assured Filipinos that the government is working hard to ensure no Filipino is left behind towards recovery.

“Kahit anumang problema ang inyong hinaharap—sunog, lindol, baha, pagputok ng bulkan o kahit anong klaseng krisis—handa kaming tumulong at magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Huwag kayo mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil hindi kayo pababayaan ng gobyerno na palaging nagmamalasakit sa inyo,” Go reiterated.

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.

Following the passage of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act last September 10, Go expressed his optimism that the Bureau will now be more equipped in addressing and preventing fire-related incidents.

On October 23, 25, 26, and 27, Senator Go had his team distribute assistance to 480 fire victims in Barangay Recodo, Zamboanga City. In his video message, Go expressed his concern to the affected families and reaffirmed that BFP will be more responsive and efficient in handling disaster and emergency response.

Under Republic Act No. 11589, the BFP is mandated to develop a 10-year modernization fire program that includes the acquisition of modern fire equipment, recruitment of more firefighters, and provision of specialized trainings, among others.

“Importante po na nabigyan ng suporta ang modernization ng ating Bureau of Fire Protection dahil napaka-importante ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila upang makapagligtas ng buhay,” said Go.

“Halos linggo-linggo po akong bumababa sa mga nasunugan. Nakikita ko po ang hirap ng ating mga kababayang nasunugan. Kahit isang bahay lang po ang masunog, damay po pati ang kapitbahay. Maraming pamilya ang apektado. Kaya po dapat lang na palakasin ang kapasidad ng BFP sa pagresponde sa sunog,” he added.

Conducting the activity at the Cawit Barangay Hall, Go’s team implemented necessary safety and health protocols to safeguard the public while they handed out financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, face shield, and vitamins to the fire victims. They also gave some residents new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets.

The Department of Agriculture, in turn, gave vegetable seeds while the Department of Health conducted free medical consultations and gave supplies of masks, vitamins, and hygiene kits.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave additional financial assistance, and more hygiene kits. The National Housing Authority provided housing assistance through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment determined potential recipients for their respective livelihood programs. Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarship grants to qualified beneficiaries.

“Sa mga nasunugan naman po, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ang gamit po’y nabibili, ang pera po’y kinikita. Subalit ang perang kinikita ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo, mga kababayan ko,” Go remarked.

Go then reached out to the beneficiaries, and their loved ones, with health concerns as he advised them to visit any of the three Malasakit Centers in the city located at Labuan General Hospital, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, or Zamboanga City Medical Center.

The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to assist poor and indigent patients with their medical expenses by providing convenient access to medical assistance programs from partnered agencies, such as DSWD, DOH, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Go, who serves as the Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of a two-storey hospital building in Camp Navarro General Hospital to further improve the delivery of public service in their community.

Ending his remarks, Go extended his gratitude towards the local officials of Zamboanga City for helping their community fully recover from the challenges brought by crisis situations. (OSBG)