PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go offered his assistance and support to the family affected by a fire which broke out and claimed one life in Barangay Old Cabalan in Olongapo City, Zambales on Sunday evening, November 7.

“Sa mga nasunugan, ‘wag kayong mag-alala dahil magtutulungan tayo,” Go promised in a video message on Thursday, November 11. “Ang gamit naman ay nabibili at ang pera ay kikitain natin. Subalit ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat po tayo parati,” he added.

His staff provided the family with meals, food packs, vitamins, masks and financial assistance at the barangay hall while observing the health and safety protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided separate financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

The senator, who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, assured further support should the family require medical attention. He advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba where they may conveniently apply for medical assistance from relevant government agencies.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop started in 2018 which brings together under one roof the offices of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Batas ito na isinulong ko at pinirmahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Mayroon na ngayong 148 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas. Ang target ng center ay zero balance para wala na kayong babayaran sa ospital,” explained Go, who principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

He thanked Punong Barangay Lester Nadong and other local officials for their quick response to ensure the safety of their constituents.

“Palagi kaming handa ni Pangulong 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,” continued Go.

To reduce fire-related fatalities and losses, the senator had principally authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589 which mandates the Bureau of Fire Protection to develop a ten-year modernization program that would improve its firefighting and rescue capabilities by recruiting more firefighters, acquiring modern fire equipment, and developing specialized training programs, among others.

The law, which President Duterte signed on September 10, further directs the bureau to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, particularly in poor communities.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go has also supported various initiatives to help spur economic activity and job creation in Zambales, including the rehabilitation of the Elicaño Street in Brgy. East Bajac Bajac in Olongapo City.

Other major initiatives he supported are the rehabilitation of roads in Cabangan, Candelaria, Masinloc, San Felipe and San Marcelino; construction of multi-purpose buildings and installation of street lights in Botolan; acquisition of multicabs and construction of a multi-purpose building in Iba; rehabilitation of public markets in Cabangan and San Antonio; and construction of a seawall in Masinloc.

From October 16 to 18, his team similarly conducted a relief effort for 4,600 recipients, composed of farmers and fisherfolks, in Iba. (OSBG)