PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated the need to create a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). Go vowed to refile Senate Bill No. 205, which seeks to establish DDR as a highly specialized agency that will ensure adaptive, disaster-resilient and safe communities.
In his video message during the relief activity for 649 Typhoon Ulysses victims in Arayat, Pampanga on Wednesday, June 22, Go appealed to his fellow lawmakers to support the creation of the new department to unify and streamline all responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response.
“Bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong makikipag-coordinate sa LGUs, preposition of goods at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo, restoration of normalcy kaagad, maibalik kaagad sa normal ang pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. ‘Yan po ang layunin ng Department of Disaster Resilience,” Go explained.
“Madalas pong tamaan ng bagyo, lindol at iba pang kalamidad ang ating bansa. Kailangan na talaga nating i-scale up ang preparedness at resilience against disasters,” he added.
Held at the Glorietta Sports Complex in Poblacion, Arayat, Pampanga, Go’s outreach team distributed meals and masks to the typhoon victims. 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.
As he continues to prioritize the safety of every Filipino in times of crises, Go appealed to the public to make health their top priority. He then urged them to help the country attain population protection leading to herd immunity by participating in the national inoculation program.
The senator likewise appealed to the local officials to further strengthen the vaccination efforts in their community and make certain that their eligible constituents receive complete vaccine doses and booster shots against COVID-19.
“Itong mga bakuna na ito ay libre lang at pinaghirapan po ito ng gobyerno. Kaya nakikiusap po ako mga kababayan ko, patatagin niyo pa lalo ang pagbabakuna sa bawat komunidad diyan sa inyo,” he appealed.
“Huwag ho kayong matakot sa bakuna, mas matakot po kayo sa banta na dulot ng COVID-19. Hindi po natin nakikita itong kalaban na ito, kaya mas mabuti pa pong proteksyunan ninyo ang mga sarili sa paraan ng pagbabakuna at pagsunod sa health protocols,” he reminded.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded the public to continue following the health protocols to further curb the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the hospitals from being overburdened again amid the pandemic. He offered to assist those seeking medical treatment and advised them to visit the nearest Malasakit Center where they may obtain further aid for their hospital expenses.
To improve access to healthcare services, Go had primarily 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 Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
“Kaya lumalala ang kondisyon ng maraming Pilipino dahil ayaw nilang magpa-check up at wala silang pambayad. Pero ngayon wala ng dahilan para hindi tulungan ang mga kapuspalad na pasyente. Kung may balanse kayo sa ospital, lapitan niyo ang Malasakit Center at hindi niyo na kailangang mangutang o magsangla," reassured Go.
A Malasakit Center has been established each at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando City. There are now 151 Malasakit Centers nationwide.
Finally, the senator thanked the local officials for their tireless efforts amid these trying times. He also pledged his continuing support to the Kapampangans.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has helped improve the delivery of key public services in Arayat. He supported the construction of a multipurpose building and the funding of new equipment for hospitals in the municipality.
In the province, Go supported the funding of new equipment for hospitals in San Fernando City and the towns of Bacolor, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Porac and San Luis; and construction of multipurpose buildings in Floridablanca, Santa Monica, Magalang and Masantol, among others. (OSBG)
