PASAY CITY -- After extending assistance to fire-affected residents in Barangay 649, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s staff returned to conduct another relief operation in Manila on Saturday, November 6, this time for the residents of Brgy. 180 whose houses were damaged by a fire last Sunday afternoon.
With necessary safety and health protocols being strictly observed, the staff provided financial assistance, meals, food packs, vitamins and masks to a total of 20 residents at the barangay hall. Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided separate financial assistance as part of the government’s response to the incident.
In a video message, Go acknowledged that the road to recovery for the affected residents will be long and difficult. He vowed to keep working wherever possible to make sure the government provide the help they needed and all fire-damaged areas are rebuilt.
“Sa mga nasunugan, ‘wag kayong mag-alala dahil magtutulungan tayo. Ang gamit naman po ay nabibili at ang pera ay ating kikitain muli. Subalit ang perang kikitain ay hindi po mabibili ang inyung buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo parati,” said Go.
“Palagi kaming handa ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na magserbisyo sa inyo. Pakiusap ko nalang sa mga kapitan, ‘wag niyong papabayaan ang mga kapatid natin. Huwag niyo pabayaan ang inyong mga ka-barangay lalo na sa panahon ngayon dahil kayo lang ang matatakbuhan nila,” he added.
The senator also offered to help any resident in need of medical care. He advised them to visit any of the 30 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila where they may conveniently apply for medical assistance from the relevant government agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
There are currently five Malasakit Centers in Manila, located at the Tondo Medical Center, which was personally launched by Go last July 16, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and the Philippine General Hospital.
The program aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering surgeries, medicines and other patient services and expenses. It has assisted over three million particularly poor and indigent patients since its launch in 2018.
“Masaya akong sunud-sunod ang pagbubukas ng mga Malasakit Centers. Tiwala akong magiging malaking tulong ito sa mga kababaayan natin in the long-run, lalo na sa mga walang matakbuhan at maaasahan kundi ang gobyerno,” continued Go.
“Dito niyo makikita ang puso ni Pangulong Duterte para sa mga mahihirap. Sinimulan namin ang programang ito dahil ayaw naming pinapahirapan pa ang mga Pilipino. Binabalik lang namin ang pera ng taumbayan sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mas mabilis at maayos na serbisyo,” he added.
In the end, the senator recognized and thanked Punong Barangay Oscar Guevarra and other local officials for their continued service to their communities amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.
He assured that the country’s fire prevention and suppression services will be further strengthened following the enactment of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which aims to prevent any more casualties and losses due to fire incidents by enhancing the capabilities of the BFP over a ten-year period.
The law, of which Go served as author and co-sponsor in the Senate, directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, particularly in informal settlements and economically depressed areas. The bill was signed by President Duterte into law last September 10.
To help ensure the safety of the residents during emergencies, the senator had also supported the construction of several evacuation centers and the structural improvement of the public buildings near the Department of Justice compound, as well as the construction of various multi-purpose buildings throughout Manila in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. (OSBG)
