In Photo: Motorcycle-riding Sen. Bong Go reaches out to Davao city fire victims.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited families displaced by a recent fire in Lower Dampa, Barangay Magtuod, Davao City, following the incident that occurred on March 3.
During his visit, Go personally met with the affected residents and checked on their condition as assistance was distributed. The senator emphasized the importance of reaching out to communities affected by disasters and ensuring that immediate support is provided to those who have lost their homes and belongings.
He further encouraged the affected families to remain hopeful despite their loss.
“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang lagi ko pong sinasabi, ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera, kikitain n’yo ‘yan kung magsusumikap lang tayo. Pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay,” said Go.
He further stated, “Ang importante po ay magtulungan tayo. Kaya po natin ito. Kilala po ang mga Pilipino na nagtutulungan. Kaya andito po ako sa inyo upang makapag iwan ng ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati.”
The senator then reiterated his continued push for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response measures. He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide.
Complementing this measure is RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, which Go also principally authored and co-sponsored. He highlighted the law’s role in strengthening the capability of fire personnel through improved equipment, training, and resources.
A total of 89 affected families received assistance from the senator during the distribution conducted at Magtuod Elementary School. The activity was carried out in coordination with Barangay Magtuod officials led by Barangay Captain Jaime Gorre, and Councilor Ragde Ibuyan.
Go’s team provided grocery packs, vitamins, water containers, shirts, pens, balls, and foldable fans to all beneficiaries. Each family also received financial assistance to help them cope with the immediate impact of the fire.
Additional items were raffled off to select beneficiaries, including two pairs of shoes, two watches, and one jacket.
The senator also acknowledged the efforts of national government agencies conducting on-site assessments to ensure that affected families receive adequate support.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go underscored the importance of accessible healthcare services for Filipinos.
“Napakahalaga po sa akin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang Malasakit Center, para po ‘yan sa Pilipino—inyo po ‘yan, karapatan po ‘yan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops that help indigent patients reduce their hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In Davao City, a Malasakit Center is located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
“Asahan niyo po, bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyo, mga kababayan ko. Huwag po nating kalimutang magpasalamat sa Panginoon,” Go concluded.
