PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go delivered various forms of assistance to more than a thousand fire victims and victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Dingalan, Aurora on June 22 and 23.

In his message to the victims, Go expressed his readiness to provide assistance to those who are ill or have other medical conditions. He assured that they may approach his staff or their local officials so that his office can assess and address their needs.

“Kung kailangan n’yo magpa-opera sa Maynila, sakit sa puso, kahit ano, tutulungan ko po kayo. Lapitan niyo lang po si Mayor o si Governor... Ako ang tutulong at magpapagamot (sa inyo). Tutulungan ko po kayo,” said Go.

The senator also urged residents to go to the nearest Malasakit Center located at the Aurora Memorial Hospital in the provincial capital town of Baler where they can conveniently seek medical assistance from the various existing programs of the government.

“Kung meron pa kayong kailangan na tulong, tulad ng pagpapaospital, meron tayong Malasakit Center sa Aurora Memorial Hospital in Baler,” Go reminded.

“Batas na po ito na isinulong natin. Pinangako ko sa inyo ‘yan. One-stop shop po ito, nasa loob na po ng ospital ‘yung apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno para hindi niyo na kailangan umikot pa at pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina. Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay zero balance billing. Para po sa mga Pilipino ‘yan,” he added.

To improve access to healthcare services, Go had authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law provides for the establishment of one-stop shops which provide convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are now 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

The distribution activities were held at the municipal gymnasium and regional evacuation center where a total of 1,146 beneficiaries gathered and received assistance from the senator’s staff.

Go’s team distributed meals and face masks to the families. In addition, they gave away bicycles, phablets and new pairs of shoes to select individuals.

Meanwhile, to help the residents recover faster from the typhoon, the National Housing Authority extended financial assistance to each affected household through its Emergency Housing Assistance Program.

Go also raised anew the need for the enactment of a measure that will create the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). He had earlier filed Senate Bill No. 205 in 2019 to establish the DDR.

Go said that the establishment of the DDR will ensure a more proactive approach to natural disasters. Because the country’s geographical location exposes it to extreme weather disturbances, the senator stressed that the Filipinos expect the government to pay utmost attention to its immediate response.

“Nag-file rin po ako noon sa Senado ng Department of Disaster Resilience (bill), departamentong Cabinet-secretary level, para bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon ng 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 layunin 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,” he added.

Go then commended local officials for their continuing service and hard work to help their constituents.

Ending his message, Go assured the public that his office is always open to assist them and help resolve their concerns.

“Ingat po kayo, aking mga kababayan. Malalagpasan din natin itong pandemyang ito. Tulung-tulong lang tayo. Sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo din naman kapwa Pilipino,” he said.

In the wake of Typhoon Ulysses' devastation in the province in 2020, Bong Go dispatched his team to Aurora to provide various assistance and support to the victims. (OSBG)