PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued its efforts to provide emergency assistance to residents displaced by fire incidents, this time delivering aid to Barangay Santa Ana in Taytay, Rizal after a major fire broke out last October 23.

“Alam namin na mahirap ang panahon ngayon. Nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya at nasunugan pa kayo. Magtulungan tayo at malalampasan din natin itong krisis na ito bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go encouraged the residents in a video call.

His team held an activity at the Sitio Tapayan Elementary School on Thursday, November 11, where they provided financial assistance, food packs and meals to a total of 19 families or 86 residents. They also distributed vitamins and masks to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, selected residents received new pairs of shoes while some received bicycles so they can commute with ease. Others received computer tablets so their children can study better under the blended learning approach

Moreover, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present to provide separate financial assistance as part of the national government’s relief measures for individuals affected by crisis situations.

To ensure their full recovery, the senator offered to help those who are in need of medical attention. He encouraged them to seek the services of their nearest Malasakit Centers where they can conveniently avail of the medical assistance offered by government agencies, specifically the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

There are currently four Malasakit Centers in the province located at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV (Mambugan), Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital and Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez.

“Itong Malasakit Center ay para sa lahat ng Pilipino. Walang pinipili ito, walang pulitika ito. Para ito sa lahat lalo na ang poor and indigent patients. Handa pong tumulong ang Malasakit Center sa kanilang medical at financial needs,” explained Go.

The senator proceeded to recognize and thank the local officials led by Punong Barangay Michael Cruz for their service amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.

He vowed to continue serving as an advocate for the people of Rizal in keeping with his commitment as an adopted son of the region. On Tuesday, November 9, he personally led the distribution of assistance to 197 health workers and 130 patients at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, 728 indigent residents and 76 fire victims in Antipolo City.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported various initiatives that aim to foster economic growth, such as the construction of the Taytay Sports Complex.

Other major initiatives he supported include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono, Rodriguez and Antipolo City; rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Rodriguez; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez; construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City; construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras; and purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo.

In September, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11589 which provides for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection with the aim of improving its capabilities and preventing any more casualties and losses due to fire incidents.

The measure, of which Go served as principal author and co-sponsor, also 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. (OSBG)