FOLLOWING the devastating effects of Super Typhoon “Karding,” Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, together with Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Sen. Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, personally extended support to the hardest-hit communities in San Miguel, Bulacan, on Thursday, September 29.
In his speech, Go acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices made by the five rescuers who have unfortunately perished during a rescue operation on September 26. He then offered his condolences to their families and colleagues, citing that their bravery and heroism will always be recognized.
“We condole with the families of the rescuers who perished during the rescue operation. We have filed a resolution for the five rescuers. They’re considered heroes for their sacrifices,” said Go during his speech.
Go co-sponsored Senate Resolution 233 on September 27 honoring the exemplary heroism of the five rescuers of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Apart from the five rescuers, Go likewise committed to help the families of two more Bulakeños who died during the onslaught of Karding.
The senator then expressed the need for eligible government workers, regardless of their status of employment, to be entitled to hazard pay and other benefits, especially when they put their lives at risk to save fellow Filipinos.
The lawmaker likewise continues to push for the enactment of Senate Bill 188 which shall create the Department of Disaster Resilience. The proposed law aims to provide a much faster and efficient government response to calamities by putting together concerned agencies under a single department.
Mounted at the municipal gymnasium, the three senators and their team handed out grocery packs, meals, masks, shirts, and vitamins to hundreds of flood victims. They likewise provided bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients.
A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development then granted each household financial assistance to hasten their recovery.
“We have heard that you’re grateful to us, to Senator Robin, Senator Bato, to me and former president Rodrigo Duterte. Do not thank us, we should be the one to thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you,” said Go.
Meanwhile, the senator encouraged Bulakeños to visit Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City and in Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria where there are Malasakit Centers that can help them with their health-related expenses.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs offered by the government. Currently, there are 152 Malasakit Centers throughout the country.
In a short speech, Padilla expressed his gratitude to Go for initiating the Malasakit Centers program that has helped millions of Filipinos.
As part of his commitment to help the whole community of San Miguel to develop and be more disaster resilient, Go, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction and rehabilitation of several roads in the town, and the acquisition of a dump truck and an ambulance unit.
Furthermore, he also helped initiate the construction of a Super Health Center in San Miguel as part of his continuing efforts to bring quality health care services from the government closer to those in need.
Meanwhile, dela Rosa praised Go for always prioritizing the needs of Filipinos affected by crises, saying, “I have not seen anyone as kind-hearted as Go … in times of disaster, he will be with you to help you.”