Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City on Saturday, June 28, to assist families affected by a recent fire.
Speaking directly to victims and residents, he emphasized the importance of compassion, community cooperation, and accessible public services — especially during times of need.
“Ang damit, nalalabhan ‘yan, ‘di ba? Ang gamit, nabibili. Dito sa Baclaran, marami tayong nabibili, ‘di ba? Pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever,” Go reminded the crowd. “Importante, buhay tayo — magtulungan lang po tayo at pangalagaan natin ang buhay na ibinigay ng Panginoon.”
Recounting a personal connection to Baclaran, Go shared childhood memories of his aunt who regularly attended Mass at the shrine. “Alam n’yo, malapit sa puso ko itong Baclaran. Bata pa lang po ako, naririnig ko na itong Baclaran sa tiyahin ko dahil dito s’ya nagsisimba tuwing Miyerkules… hindi tayo papabayaan ng Panginoon.”
To provide immediate relief, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed financial assistance, meals, grocery packs, water containers, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to the 58 families affected by the incident. Select beneficiaries also received a bicycle and shoes.
“Meron lang po akong dalang konting tulong sa inyo… May dala po akong pagkain, grocery… kaunting panghapunan n’yo lang po mamaya,” he said with utmost compassion.
Go also took time to recognize local officials present during the visit, including Barangay Captain Jun Zaide, Kagawad Sean Sanciego, Kagawad Clint Calinisan, SK Chairwoman Kate Lazaga Mangahas, and Barangay Secretary Joseph Lim.
He underscored the vital role of barangay leaders in emergency response and community care. “Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa inyo — ‘Wag n’yong pabayaan ‘yung mga kababayan natin tuwing nasusunugan o nagkakasakit. Tulungan po natin sila.”
He also emphasized the importance of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. According to Go, the measure plays a critical role in equipping fire personnel to respond more effectively to emergencies like the one in Baclaran.
In support of public safety efforts, he highlighted Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he also principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the establishment of safe and resilient evacuation centers in every municipality and city nationwide.
Looking ahead, Go reiterated his commitment to addressing housing challenges in fire-affected communities. He cited his filed Senate Bill No. 192, which he proposed to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program that would provide temporary shelter assistance while affected families transition to permanent housing if passed into law.
Reinforcing his broader public service agenda, Go continued to demonstrate his commitment to public service by responding to individual medical appeals. During the event, he offered on-the-spot aid such as crutches as well as assisted in giving access to hospital referrals for those in need. “Kanina po, merong isang pasyente doon — may diabetes, nilalagnat. Sabi ko, dalhin ko s’ya sa ospital. Magtulungan po tayo… may isang pasyente na stroke. Dinalhan po natin ng crutches.”
He reminded residents of the availability of medical aid from Malasakit Centers for poor and indigent patients, highlighting the one located at the Ospital ng Parañaque.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program. At present, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the program has helped over 17 million Filipinos.
“Kung may mga pasyente kayong nangangailangan ng tulong, karapatan n’yo po ‘yan. Pera n’yo po ‘yan… maaari kayong kumuha ng medical assistance sa mga Malasakit Center,” Go emphasized.
Complementing the Malasakit initiative, Go also discussed the construction of two Super Health Centers in Parañaque — one in Barangay Baclaran and another in Barangay Moonwalk. He explained that these facilities are part of the broader national initiative to improve healthcare accessibility, especially in grassroots communities.
Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection. Free consultations are handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program.
Go credited his collaborative efforts with fellow lawmakers, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government officials in securing funding for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
Go further highlighted his role as principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of specialty centers — such as Cancer Centers and Heart Centers — in regional DOH hospitals.
“Halimbawa, dito sa iba’t ibang probinsya natin, itatayo na ‘yung mga Cancer Center doon, Heart Center — para hindi na natin kailangang bumiyahe pa ang mga nasa probinsya para sa ating pagpapagamot.”
Ending the event with his signature compassion, Go spontaneously offered his wristwatch to a differently abled individual.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay nyo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” concluded Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.