PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renews call to pass Senate Bill No. 205 which will create the Department of Disaster Resilience to ensure more effective and proactive nationwide disaster response.

In a video message during the relief operation organized by his team for the Typhoon Maring victims in Balaoan and Santol, La Union on Monday, November 29, Go noted that a cabinet-level agency focused on disaster response is imperative in a country like the Philippines whose geographical location is vulnerable to natural disasters including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

“Nag-file rin po ako sa Senado ng Department of Disaster Resilience (bill), departamentong Cabinet-secretary level, para bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon nang coordination with local government units at makapaghanda ng pagkain. Kapag mayroong bagyo, makakapag-evacuate kaagad. Bago pa dumating ang bagyo, dapat madala kaagad sila sa mga evacuation centers para walang masaktan,” said Go.

“At kapag lumabas na ang bagyo, rehabilitation at recovery efforts naman. Returning back to normalcy kaagad ang hangarin natin. More responsive services from relief to rebuilding operations ang ating layunin, less damages and casualties and faster recovery, kaya ko i-finile itong Department of Disaster Resilience (bill),” he added.

If instituted, the department shall concentrate on three key areas, namely disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

Meanwhile, Go’s staff distributed grocery packs, meals, and masks to a total of 691 typhoon victims from both towns at the Balaoan Municipal Hall. The team also gave select recipients bicycles, new pairs of shoes and computer tablets.

In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted separate financial assistance to help the victims recover.

The activities were conducted in small batches and in strict compliance with the health protocols against COVID-19.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go further advised the residents to visit the Malasakit Center located at Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City if they need medical aid.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipinos may conveniently avail medical assistance from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It seeks to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest amount possible by covering patient services and expenses, such as laboratories, medicines and surgeries.

To ensure greater access to quality healthcare services in the province, Go also successfully pushed for the passage of a law that will increase the bed capacity of the district hospitals in Naguilan and Rosario.

Ending his message, the senator lauded the local government officials for working hand-in-hand to ensure the recovery of their respective communities.

“Kung anong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Kami ni Presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte, patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil para sa amin, ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo din po 'yan sa Diyos,” Go stressed.

For the economic recovery and improvement of public service delivery in the province, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the construction and improvement of roads in Aringay, Bagulin, Burgos, Naguilan, Rosario and San Gabriel; acquisition of multipurpose vehicles and the rehabilitation of a multipurpose building in Balaoan; construction of multipurpose centers in Caba and San Fernando City; and the acquisition of an ambulance and a multipurpose vehicle in Bangar. (OSBG)