PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his support for the recovery of affected residents of Rodriguez, Rizal who were flooded during a recent typhoon as his team actively assisted in the government’s relief efforts held in the town from November 13 to 14.

In a video message, Go underlined the need for a proactive approach to managing disasters and risks in the country and appealed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205 which provides for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience.

“Nag-file ako ng Department of Disaster Resilience (bill) sa Senado para bago pa man dumating ang bagyo ay mayroon ng coordination at makapaghanda na ang mga local government units. Sisiguraduhin ng batas na ito na bago pa dumating ang bagyo ay nakapag-evacuate na kayo kaagad para walang masasaktan,” said Go.

“At kapag lumabas na ang bagyo, returning back to normalcy kaagad ang magiging layunin ng gobyerno. This will mean more responsive services from relief to rebuilding operations, less damages and casualties, and faster recovery,” he continued.

The senator’s staff handed out meals, vitamins and masks to a total of 3,100 typhoon victims at the Montalban Sports Center. To ensure everyone’s safety, the activity was carried out in small batches, in strict compliance with other health protocols against COVID-19.

Selected residents received new pairs of shoes while some received bicycles for their commuting needs. Other residents received computer tablets for their children’s use under the blended learning approach.

In a separate distribution, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided each typhoon victim with financial assistance to help in their recovery.

The senator, who serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, also urged residents not to ignore medical issues and to seek treatment if necessary. He advised them to visit their local Malasakit Center where they may conveniently avail of the medical assistance programs offered by 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 Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV (Mambugan), Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan and Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital.

“At kung kailangan niyo naman ng operasyon na hindi kayang gawin dito sa Rizal, sabihan niyo lang si Mayor. Ako na ang magpapagamot sa inyo sa Maynila. Halimbawang kailangan ninyo ng bypass surgery o transplant, ako na ang sasagot sa pamasahe at tirahan ninyo kung kailangan,” reassured Go.

The senator proceeded to thank Mayor Dennis Hernandez, Vice Mayor Anecito Lirazan and other local officials for their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents.

His team recently delivered relief to 86 fire victims in Taytay on Thursday, November 11, as part of the senator's continuing commitment to public service as an adopted son of the CALABARZON region.

He also supported numerous initiatives in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance to spur economic development and job creation in the province. These include the construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex; rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the Upper Marikina River; and rehabilitation of the road and drainage system and slope protection works in Barangays Macabud and San Isidro in Rodriguez.

Other major initiatives include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono and Antipolo City; construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City; construction of the Taytay Sports Complex; construction and improvement of a multi-purpose building and new roads in Baras; and purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo. (OSBG)