Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team visited and aided tropical storm-hit families in San Fernando City and Bauang, La Union on Friday, August 8.
In San Fernando City, a total of 150 food packs, shirts, foldable fans, basketballs, and volleyballs were distributed in Barangay Catbangen. Additionally, 200 beneficiaries also received the same essentials in Barangay San Vicente. These relief operations were made possible with the assistance of local officials.
Meanwhile, food packs to 350 families were turned over in Bauang in coordination with local officials.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go said.
Senator Go likewise emphasized the crucial role played by frontliners and emergency personnel during calamities.
“Sa bawat sakuna, may mga taong tahimik na nagtatrabaho para mailigtas at matulungan ang kapwa, kapalit ang sariling kaligtasan. Nararapat lamang na kilalanin natin ang kanilang sakripisyo,” Go said.
He mentioned his filed Senate Bill No. 669 which, if enacted, would grant hazard pay to all qualified responders directly involved in disaster operations, especially those in high-risk situations.
“Hindi lang po ito tungkol sa ayuda – ito rin ay pagkilala sa mga tunay na bayani sa likod ng relief effort,” Go stated.
In addition, Senator Go informed them of the availability of Malasakit Centers, which serve as one-stop shops for medical assistance programs. He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, which aims to make government medical assistance more accessible and efficient, especially for indigent patients.
There are currently 167 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, including the Malasakit Center in Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City. Department of Health figures show that there are more than 17 million Filipinos benefitting from this initiative.
“Sipag, malasakit, at more serbisyo po ang puwede kong ialay sa inyo,” Go concluded.