PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office held its second disaster relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Jolina in Biñan City, Laguna on Wednesday, November 17, in keeping with the senator's commitment to help communities build back better and stronger.

Go's staff distributed meals, food packs and masks to a total of 1,000 flood victims at the Alonte Sports Arena. They gave selected residents new shoes and bicycles for commuting, as well as computer tablets for children's use while studying at home.

Moreover, in another distribution, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided each flood victim with financial assistance.

In light of the increasing frequency of natural disasters, Go highlighted the need for a cabinet-level agency that is specifically focused on holistic disaster response. He called for the passage of Senate Bill No. 205, which provides for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience.

"Dapat maging mas proactive tayo at ipasa na ito sa lalong madaling panahon dahil madalas pong tamaan ng bagyo, lindol at iba pang kalamidad ang ating bansa. Kailangan nating i-scale up ang preparedness and resiliency against disasters," Go said in a video message.

"Kung maitatatag ang Department of Disaster Resilience, tunay na magiging handa tayo sa anumang krisis o sakuna. Mas magiging mabilis ang pagtugon ng pamahalaan, mas maiibsan ang masamang epekto ng kalamidad, at mas mabilis makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan," he explained.

Go went on to offer further assistance to residents needing medical attention and advised them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City and at the Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where particularly poor and indigent patients may conveniently avail of medical assistance from relevant government agencies such as the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the "Malasakit Centers Act of 2019."

"Nung nagka-pandemic, dumating kami sa punto na isa o dalawang beses na lang kami kumakain sa isang araw. Ako po'y nagpapasalamat kay Senator Bong Go para sa tulong na natanggap ng aking pamilya at bagong sapatos na pina-raffle niya. Kay Presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte, sana ipagpatuloy mo lang ang iyong pagseserbisyo at nasa likod mo ang mamamayang Pilipino," said Cesar De Guzman, 49, a tricycle driver.

To conclude, the senator thanked Deputy Speaker and Lone District Representative Marlyn Alonte-Naguiat, Governor Ramil Hernandez, Vice Governor Katherine Agapay, Board Member Abigael Alonte, Mayor Walfredo Dimaguila Jr., Vice Mayor Angelo Alonte and other local officials for their work during these challenging times.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and an adopted son of the CALABARZON region, Go has supported various infrastructure development initiatives to reduce damage from climate-related disasters and other risks in the city, such as the improvement of the drainage system in Brgy. Canlalay and concreting of the local access road in Brgy. Santo Niño.

He also supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Cavinti, Liliw, Lumban, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Pila, Santa Cruz and Santa Maria; construction of slaughterhouses in Mabitac, Nagcarlan and Pagsanjan; construction of public markets in Liliw, Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan and Rizal; construction of a farm-to-market road and a multi-purpose covered court in Paete; construction of a drainage canal in Cabuyao City; repair of the primary road inside Fort Sto. Domingo in Santa Rosa City; and installation of street lights in Lumban and Magdalena.

A similar relief activity was conducted for 1,000 flood victims in Biñan City last November 10. Each distribution was held in batches in compliance with health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)

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