IN keeping with his commitment to help uplift the lives of Filipinos adversely affected by crisis situations, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, provided assistance to flood victims from more than 50 barangays in Zamboanga City.

In his message, Go encouraged the public to remain supportive of the government’s efforts as it continues to strengthen its interventions to help mitigate the impacts of crises.

“Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po, kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataong makapagserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Kaya hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon, magseserbisyo po kami sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he said.

“Ako po’y sanay sa trabaho. Umaga, tanghali, hapunan, kahit panaginip puro trabaho. Pero hindi po ako napapagod ‘pag nakikita ko po kayo na masaya rin po at nakakatulong kami sa inyo,” Go expressed.

On January 11, a low pressure area induced heavy flooding in Zamboanga City and Basilan. Go’s team began distributing aid to the barangays on January 13. Flood victims who were stranded had access to free rides on trucks transporting aid to the evacuation center.

Meanwhile, Go reassured that he continues to advocate for a more disaster-resilient nation. The senator has been pushing for the enactment of his proposed Disaster Resilience Act.

Under Senate Bill No. 188, a Department of Disaster Resilience is proposed to be established to bring together all essential functions and mandates currently scattered among various disaster related agencies.

Go’s team provided grocery packs, t-shirts, and umbrellas to more than a thousand flood victims.

“Kami po’y inyong public servant. Para lang tayong kapitbahay, magkapatid tayo. Kalabitin n’yo lang po kami kahit saan tayo magkita. Kami po’y tutulong sa inyo sa abot po ng aming makakaya.

Nandito po kami na handang tumulong po sa inyong lahat,” concluded Go.

Senator Go also sent his team to visit Catarman, Northern Samar on Wednesday, January 18, and turned over relief goods to its local government which will be distributed to flood victims.

Senator Go was scheduled to visit the province on January 17 to personally provide aid to indigents of the said towns, visit the renovated public market in Catarman, inspect the Super Health Center in Lavezares as well as its newly constructed covered court which the senator supported. However, due to a mechanical issue in one of the aircraft’s engines, they were forced to put his flight on halt.

“Sa kasamaang palad, noong kami ay papaangat na para lumipad ay nagkaroon ng mechanical issue sa isa sa mga makina at preno ng eroplanong aming sinasakyan kung kaya’t naantala ang aming pagbyahe. Salamat sa Diyos, ligtas kami at walang gaanong aberya ang idinulot sa ating paliparan sa nangyari,” Go shared.

“God willing, patuloy po akong bibisita sa ating mga kababayang tinamaan ng sakuna at nangangailangan dahil sa iba’t ibang krisis na hinaharap ng ating bansa. Tutulong po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya nasaan man kayo sa bansa,” he continued.

The team of Go delivered grocery packs that will be given to families affected by the flood. Meanwhile, they also provided umbrellas, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball that will be given to select individuals.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development likewise committed to turnover financial assistance to the flood victims.

Go then commended the local officials of Catarman, led by Mayor Francisco “Antet” Rosales III, for their immeasurable service and for showing compassion to their constituents amid these difficult times.