Amid the economic challenges and rising living costs, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to stand by Filipinos in times of crisis as he personally led the distribution of aid to fire victims in Tondo.
Go extended additional assistance to hundreds of families still recovering from a fire incident. He visited the affected community to assess the extent of the damage and personally check on the condition of displaced residents, ensuring that government support reaches those who need it most.
During his visit, the senator emphasized the importance of fire prevention and heightened safety awareness, stressing that while material possessions can be replaced, human lives cannot.
“Mahirap po ang panahon ngayon. Mahal ang bilihin, tumataas ang gasolina at krudo, pati na ang kuryente. Kaya mahalaga po na magtulungan tayo. Kami naman sa gobyerno, bilang mambabatas, patuloy ko pong susuportahan ang mga batas na makakatulong sa mga mahihirap,” Go said.
“Kaso po sa Senado, isang boto lang po ako. Bente kwatro po kami. I-explain ko lang po sa inyo na iba po ang Senado sa Executive Department… pero kahit isang boto lang po ako, ipaglalaban ko po ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino. Sa abot po ng aking makakaya, tutulong po ako sa inyo,” he added.
The relief activity was held at Emilio Jacinto Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, where a total of 405 families from Barangays 91, 92, and 93 received assistance from Go and his team. The initiative was carried out in coordination with local officials, including Barangay 91 Captain Antonio Asilo, Barangay 92 Captain Val Santos, and Barangay 93 Captain Reynaldo Tan.
Go also reiterated his strong support for grassroots leadership, recognizing the vital role of barangay officials in delivering immediate assistance to communities.
“Full support po ako sa ating mga barangay officials. Parati ko kayong ipaglalaban,” he said.
As part of the relief efforts, beneficiaries received food packs, meals, vitamins, shirts, fans, as well as basketballs and volleyballs. Meanwhile, select recipients were given shoes, a watch, and a bicycle.
In partnership with the government, housing assistance was likewise provided to help families rebuild their homes and recover from the disaster.
“Mga kababayan ko, meron lang po akong dalang konting tulong sa inyo. Kanina may lumapit sa akin, humihingi ng tulong. Ang sabi ko, kung ano man ang maibibigay ko, tutulong po ako lalo na para sa mga nangangailangan,” Go expressed.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare services, particularly for indigent patients.
“Napakahalaga po sa akin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang Malasakit Center ay para sa Pilipino—para sa inyo po ‘yan. Karapatan po ‘yan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
The Malasakit Centers program, institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, serves as a one-stop shop to help reduce hospital expenses for indigent patients. To date, 167 Malasakit Centers were launched nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health.
In Manila, Malasakit Centers are available in key public hospitals, including Tondo Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital.
Beyond healthcare, Go continues to advocate for stronger disaster resilience measures. He is a principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
He also cited RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, as a crucial measure in enhancing the capability of fire personnel to respond more effectively to emergencies.
“Salamat po sa inyong lahat. Parati pong bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat,” Go concluded.
