THE Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended aid to four families who were rendered homeless after a fire broke out at Barangays San Miguel and Del Monte in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on June 2 and 6, respectively. The relief activities were conducted at the Conference Room of New City Hall in IGACOS, in partnership with several government agencies.

The senator’s staff provided each family with financial assistance, food packs and meals. They also gave vitamins, masks and face shields, so the members can stay healthy while following government-recommended health and safety protocols.

In a video message, the senator noted that low-income communities have an increased risk of fire incidents and urged local authorities to boost their information awareness campaign in order to better educate residents on fire safety and prevention measures.

“Saksi ako sa hinagpis na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan na biktima ng mga sunog. Buwan-buwan, bago ang pandemya, ilang insidente ng sunog ang aking binibisita sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating nabiktima nito,” said Go.

As early as 2019, the senator filed a measure in the Senate which directs the BFP to implement a modernization program which will include the acquisition of modern fire equipment, hiring of more personnel, and the provision of specialized training programs.

“To better protect Filipinos, we need to further strengthen the Bureau of Fire Protection by improving its services and capabilities so that it can efficiently and effectively respond to incidents and other catastrophes,” he explained.

Once passed into law, the BFP will be mandated to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, especially in informal settlements, economically depressed areas, and far-flung communities.

In addition to the aforementioned assistance, the senator further offered to help the beneficiaries who cannot afford medical care. He reminded them that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government through Malasakit Centers at the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office.

Go’s experiences working under then Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte exposed him to the stressful and difficult process Filipinos go through just to seek government aid for their medical bills.

“Mahirap magkasakit, lalo na kung hindi mo alam saan kukunin ang pambayad sa ospital,” said Go.

These encounters moved him to conceptualize the one-stop shop which he promised to push for during his senatorial campaign.

The senator, in his message, went on to thank local officials led by Mayor Al David Uy, as represented by one of his staff, for their untiring service and continuing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.

He also guaranteed his support for infrastructure projects that will promote Samal’s and Davao del Norte’s economic growth, such as the construction of the Bypass Road in Babak-Samal-Kaputian Road; and the construction of a Multi-Purpose Building in Brgy. Tambo.

“Mga kababayan ko, mag-ingat po tayo dahil delikado pa po ang panahon, nasa pandemya pa po tayo. Mahirap pong masunugan, subalit tandaan lang po natin, magtulungan lang tayo,” reminded Go.

“Ang gamit po’y nabibili natin, ang pera po’y kikitain natin. Subalit ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Ingat kayo. Bawat isang bahay na nasusunog, damay po ang kapitbahay,” he added.

Last February 18 to 26 this year, Go’s office also distributed assistance to 4,300 fisherfolk in Samal City as their livelihood continues to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.