PASAY CITY -- In line with his commitment to support disaster-hit communities and boost their recovery, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his outreach team to distribute assistance to hundreds of fire and landslide victims in Talisay City, Cebu on Tuesday, December 7.

In his video message, Go underscored the importance of building evacuation centers in every city, municipality and province nationwide. He reiterated his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1228, otherwise known as the “Mandatory Evacuation Center Act”, which aims to ensure that affected families have access to safe and comfortable shelters in times of emergencies.

The proposed measure was filed by the senator in 2019. It sets minimum requirements for every evacuation center, such as its location, amenities and operation, among others.

“When disaster strikes, it is the poor who suffer. Kailangan natin magpatayo ng mga dedicated evacuation centers na may basic facilities at sapat na emergency supplies, gaya ng tubig, gamot at relief goods, para hindi na sila nagsisikipan sa mga covered courts o paaralan,” explained Go.

The senator’s team distributed grocery packs, snacks and masks to a total of 335 disaster victims at the respective gymnasiums of Barangays Bulacao and Jaclupan. In addition, they extended financial assistance to the fire victims and provided select recipients with computer tablets, bicycles and new pairs of shoes.

As part of the government’s disaster response, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided separate financial assistance to the victims. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority assessed potential beneficiaries for its Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority likewise determined eligible beneficiaries for their respective livelihood and scholarship programs.

Go then encouraged the victims to prioritize their health especially amid the pandemic. He urged them to visit any of the six Malasakit Centers in the province, including the nearest one at Talisay District Hospital, where they can conveniently receive medical aid from the government.

First launched in 2018 at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together under one roof the relevant agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital in Cebu City, Eversley Childs Sanitarium Hospital in Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.

“Gusto nako ipasabot nga di-a mi ug an gobyerno nga nag atiman ug nagseserbisyo kaninyo. Andam mi nga mutabang karon na panahona labi na sa panahon karon na katawhan naglisud,” expressed Go.

(“Gusto ko ipaalam sa inyo na nandito kami at ang gobyerno na nagmamalasakit at nagseserbisyo sa inyo. Handa kaming tumulong, lalo na sa panahon ngayon na lahat ay naghihirap,”)

Ending his message, Go thanked the local government officials for their quick response to help their constituents recover from disasters even amid a national health crisis.

To further boost economic opportunities and help the province recover from the pandemic, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madrilejos and Naga City.

"Mga kaigsuonan, mga Bisaya, daghang salamat sa inyong tabang sa amoa ni Presidente Duterte. Kami pud, mga Bisaya man pud mi, utang kabubut-on, dili kalimtan. Ug timan-i ninyo, mga Bisaya, pinalangga mo namo ni Presidente Duterte," he earlier said.

(Translation: "Sa mga kapatid ko, mga Bisaya, maraming salamat sa inyong tulong sa amin ni Presidente Duterte. Kami rin, mga Bisaya rin kami, utang na loob, hindi nalilimutan. At tandaan ninyo, mga Bisaya, mahal namin kayo ni Presidente Duterte.") (OSBG)