đ¸Senator Bong Go facebook page
The Malasakit Team of Senator Christopher âBongâ Go rushed to North Cotabato to engage with families grappling with the aftermath of a whirlwind that brought heavy rains and strong winds, damaging their homes.
The team visited victims in the municipalities of Kabacan and Makilala, extending vital support and reminding them that recovery is always within reach.
ââHuwag po kayong mawalan ng pagâasa. Magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo kapwa Pilipino? Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,ââ Go said in a video message, emphasizing the importance of the bayanihan spirit in times of adversity.
The senator also reminded the local barangay officials of their vital role in supporting their constituents.
âHindi lang naman legislation ang trabaho ng isang senador. Kasama rin sa mandato namin ang oversight para masigurong tama ang ginagawa ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno, representation para makinig sa inyong mga hinaing at maging boses ninyo sa Senado, at constituency â kayo âyon bilang aming mga pinagsisilbihan,â Go said in his proclamation speech back on May 17.
Held at the SB Hall in Kabacan and the Municipal Hall in Makilala, Goâs Malasakit Team immersed themselves in the communities, engaging with a total of 57 families and making sure every beneficiary felt the senatorâs concern and support. They received food packs, snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs from the senator. Select beneficiaries also received shoes and a jacket.
He also acknowledged the national government for providing the victims with financial assistance through its programs, helping them rebuild their homes.
Meanwhile, Senator Go continues to push for stronger disaster resilience and housing programs to better protect and support Filipino communities.
A key milestone in his advocacy is Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. Signed into law on December 6 last year, the measure mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities nationwide. As the principal author and co-sponsor, Go underscored its significance in ensuring the safety and dignity of disaster-affected communities while expediting their recovery efforts.
Beyond evacuation centers, Go remains committed to addressing housing challenges, particularly for those displaced by calamities. He filed Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for disaster victims. If enacted, this measure will provide temporary shelter assistance, allowing affected families to rebuild or transition into permanent housing.
Further reinforcing his advocacy for disaster resilience, Go has also pushed for SBN 188, or the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act. This proposed legislation aims to establish a dedicated agency responsible for creating adaptive and disaster-resilient communities.
He emphasized that, if enacted, the DDR should prioritize three key areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery with improved building practices.
In moments of crisis, Senator Go emphasized that genuine service goes beyond words, calling for concrete action rooted in compassion and solidarity. He encouraged everyone to seize the chance to help their fellow Filipinos, reminding them of the fleeting nature of life and the lasting value of kindness.
âTandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,â reminded Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
âAko ang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po âyan sa Diyos,â he concluded.
