True to his mantra of ‘serbisyo at malasakit’, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team extended assistance to fire victims in Pateros. The activity was part of Senator Go’s ongoing initiatives to provide support to disaster-affected communities, helping them rebuild and recover.
Held at Barangay Sta. Ana Hall on December 12, a total of 50 fire-affected families received various forms of assistance from Go’s Malasakit Team, including snacks, shirts, vitamins, and sports equipment like basketballs and volleyballs. Select individuals were also given shoes, sling bags, and mobile phones.
In partnership with Senator Go, the National Housing Authority (NHA) distributed emergency housing assistance under its Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) to help affected families rebuild their homes. Go has been an advocate of EHAP to assist disaster victims.
“Sa mga panahon ng ganitong trahedya, mahalaga na may mabilisang tulong na naibibigay sa ating mga kababayan. Ang EHAP program ay naging instrumento para masigurong makabangon ang mga pamilyang nawalan ng tirahan,” he stated.
“Isinulong natin na mabigyan sila ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero, at iba pa, upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa NHA para sa programa nila upang masigurong makabangon at makapagpatayo muli ang ating mga kababayang biktima ng sakuna,” Senator Go highlighted.
In his message, Go highlighted his proposed Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to institutionalize a Rental Housing Subsidy Program to aid disaster victims in accessing affordable housing through government-funded rental assistance if enacted.
“Para sa ating mga kababayan na nawalan ng tahanan dahil sa sakuna, sinisikap naming magkaroon kayo ng mas mabilis na tulong para makapagsimula muli,” Senator Go said.
As the primary author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, Go also emphasized the importance of enhancing the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) capacity. The Act provides for a ten-year modernization program to ensure communities are better safeguarded from fire-related incidents through improved equipment, additional firefighters, and advanced training programs.
Go, known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his dedication to public service, reaffirmed his commitment to serving Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable situations.
“Patuloy kaming tutulong sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Panginoon,” he concluded, inspiring hope among the affected families.
Lastly, Senator Go highlighted the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12076, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. Signed on December 6, the law mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities across the Philippines. As the principal author and co-sponsor of the law, Go emphasized its role in ensuring the safety and dignity of disaster-affected communities while expediting recovery efforts.
