Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team mounted a series of relief operations on Monday, July 28, reaching flood-affected families across various towns and cities in Negros Occidental in the wake of Tropical Storm Crising.
Each beneficiary family received food packs, shirts, and foldable fans to help ease their immediate needs while recovering from the storm’s impact.
Among the areas visited were Barangay San Juan in Pontevedra, where 200 families were assisted with the support of Mayor Joemar Alonso; Barangay Amin in Isabela, where 100 families were reached through Mayor Miguel Yulo and Sangguniang Bayan Member Nico Vasquez; La Carlota City, where another 100 families benefited with the help of Mayor Joelu Jalandoni; Barangay Odiong in Moises Padilla, where 100 families were aided in coordination with Mayor Ella Garcia Yulo; and La Castellana, where 50 families were served with the assistance of Mayor Añejo Nicor.
Speaking on the importance of collective action during crises, Go underscored that quick and coordinated relief efforts remain essential in helping affected communities recover.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” the senator affirmed.
Go also emphasized that while immediate aid is vital, long-term solutions to improve disaster preparedness and response must be prioritized.
He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, mandating the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality. The law seeks to eliminate dependence on schools and other temporary facilities during emergencies, ensuring that evacuees are sheltered in safer, more dignified spaces.
To further strengthen the nation’s disaster management framework, Go has refiled Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience, which seeks to streamline disaster-related efforts—from risk reduction to recovery and rehabilitation—under a single government authority.
He is likewise pushing for SBN 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, which would provide rental assistance to disaster-displaced families while they transition to permanent housing.
Recognizing the crucial role of frontliners, Go is also advocating for SBN 669, which mandates local government units to grant hazard pay to personnel directly involved in disaster response operations.
The senator urged both local and national leaders to remain proactive in preparing for calamities rather than acting only after disaster strikes.
“Just do what is right. Unahin ang interes ng bayan. Unahin ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ang mga mahihirap, at hinding-hindi ka magkakamali,” Go concluded.