Senator Christopher “Bong” Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to aid fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, on Friday, September 19.
The relief operation with grocery packs, water gallon, shirts, fans, bags, basketballs and volleyballs benefitting 309 families, was successfully conducted in Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, in coordination with local officials.
Bacolod Lone District Representative Albee Benitez, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya and Bacolod City Vice Mayor Raymundo “Kalaw” Puentevella were also supportive of the effort. Victorias City Vice Mayor Derek Palanca likewise witnessed the event.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go said.
Senator Go also underscored the importance of life in recovering from adversity.
“Malungkot pong masunugan. Subalit nandirito tayo para magtulungan. Sabi ko nga, ang gamit nabibili, ang pera kikitain. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Importante buhay po tayo,” Go said.
Meanwhile, Go cited the importance in strengthening the capability of fire personnel through better equipment and training with the implementation of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
Go also cited the need to have safe and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every municipality and city across the country for displaced families as mandated by RA 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which Go principally authored and co-sponsored.
“Ako po ay nakikiusap sa mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno. Bigyan prayoridad and evacuation centers dahil batas naman po ito kesa nasasayang sa flood control na ginagawang gatasan ng iilan po,” Go said.
In addition, the senator is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, which he refiled in the 20th Congress. This measure aims to support displaced families through rental assistance while they transition to permanent housing in the aftermath of disasters.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo. Naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
