PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided assistance to fire victims in Taguig City on Tuesday, April 5, as part of his longstanding commitment to assist Filipinos in various crisis situations.
Go’s staff conducted the distribution at the Holy Family Village Covered Court where they gave away grocery packs, vitamins, masks and meals to the 74 residents who were affected by a fire incident on March 26 in Barangay Bagumbayan.
Separately, the National Housing Authority extended financial support through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program while the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed aid under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program to hasten the victims’ recovery.
In his video call, Go renewed his appeal to the government to boost its fire protection and prevention efforts, including public awareness campaigns, particularly in fire-prone areas.
“Marami na po akong naipasa at naisulong na batas tulad nitong Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act (para sa) karagdagang kagamitan at karagdagang firefighters at monthly education campaign para turuan po ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat po. Bawat bahay na nasusunog, damay po ang kapitbahay. Kaya ingat po tayo parati,” he noted.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order, the lawmaker went on to stress how the BFP Modernization Act, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored, will significantly improve the bureau’s capability to respond to fire-related incidents.
The senator also took the opportunity to encourage the eligible beneficiaries to participate in the national vaccination program.
“Mga kababayan ko, mayroon po kaming pakiusap ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, kung hindi pa kayo bakunado magpabakuna na ho kayo. Mas ligtas, mas maiiwasan ang pagkasakit, mas maiiwasan ang pagkamatay ‘pag kayo po’y bakunado,” said Go.
“Libre lang po ito, para sa inyo mula sa gobyerno. Pinaghirapan po natin ito kaya huwag niyo pong sayangin ang pagkakataon, magpabakuna na ho kayo,” he appealed.
Go also offered additional assistance to those in need of medical care. He advised them to visit any of the 31 Malasakit Centers across Metro Manila, including the one at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital should they need medical assistance from the government.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently avail of medical aid from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers that have helped over three million Filipinos nationwide. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has likewise extended his support to several infrastructure initiatives across Metro Manila to boost its economic growth, such as the acquisition of ambulance units in the cities of Taguig, Navotas, Parañaque and Valenzuela; construction of multipurpose buildings and halls in the cities of Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Quezon and Parañaque; acquisition of multipurpose vehicles in Muntinlupa City; rehabilitation of facilities in Navotas Polytechnic College in Navotas City; and construction of a seven-story Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence in Valenzuela City.
In the end, Go recognized the dedication and hard work of all the local officials. He also guaranteed all Filipinos of tireless public service from him and President Duterte.
“Salamat po mga kababayan ko, ingat po kayo. At ako po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go, nandirito lang po na handang magserbisyo po sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya at kasama ang ating mahal na Pangulo. Salamat ha, ingat kayo,” he concluded. (OSBG)
