Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited families affected by a recent fire in Barangay 773, San Andres Bukid, Manila City, on Tuesday, July 1. He emphasized the need for immediate assistance, long-term health reforms, and continued support for grassroots officials and vulnerable communities.
During the visit, Go, accompanied by his Malasakit Team, distributed essential aid to 44 families. The support included financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, water containers, clothing, vitamins, and sports balls for children and youth. Beyond material support, the senator also shared a traditional breakfast of “hotdog, tuyo, itlog na maalat na may kamatis at lechon manok,” with the residents.
“Tandaan natin ang pera kikitain, ang damit nalalabhan, ang gamit nabibili. Subalit yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Importante buhay tayo,” Go told the affected families, urging them to find strength in the fact that no lives were lost in the fire.
He also commended the swift response of local leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity in times of adversity. “Hindi rin magiging posible ang pagtulong na ito kung wala ang barangay officials na takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan na pinangunahan ni Barangay Captain Romeo Palileo,” he said, while also expressing gratitude to Mayor Isko Moreno and city officials. He also acknowledged former Councilor Robert Ortega and other volunteers.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Go reminded residents that his office remains accessible, especially during times of crisis. “Sa abot ng aking makakaya ay bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Mahal na mahal ko kayo rito sa Manila.”
As part of the government’s continuing efforts to assist displaced families, he noted the ongoing validation being conducted for potential beneficiaries of the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
In line with this, Go cited his Rental Housing Subsidy bill, which he had earlier filed as Senate Bill No. 192 in the 19th Congress. The measure if passed seeks to institutionalize a Rental Housing Subsidy Program that would provide temporary shelter assistance to disaster victims as they transition to permanent housing solutions.
Go further emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s emergency response capabilities. He highlighted the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, enacted as Republic Act No. 11589, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. He cited its importance in equipping fire personnel to better handle similar incidents through sustained upgrades in equipment, training, and manpower.
To ensure that displaced individuals have access to safe evacuation sites, Go also cited RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he likewise principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the construction of disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every municipality and city nationwide.
Shifting to health, Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, outlined three pillars of his health reforms crusade: the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers.
“Bilang chairman ng health tatlo po ang aking naging prayoridad ‘di ba – Malasakit Center. Mayroon kayong Malasakit Center sa PHG lapitan n’yo lang, sa Fabella, sa Jose Reyes, sa Tondo, sa Heart Center. Para po ‘yan sa Pilipino. Karapatan n’yo po ‘yan, pera n’yo po ‘yan, ang Malasakit Center,” he said.
Manila currently has five Malasakit Centers, strategically located at the Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aimed at helping impoverished patients reduce hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that over 17 million Filipinos have already benefited from the program.
Go then discussed the establishment of over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including four in Manila. “Yung mga magpapa-checkup-checkup, gagawa po ng mahigit pitong daan sa buong Pilipinas… dahil miyembro tayo ng PhilHealth,” he said, emphasizing the goal of making primary healthcare more accessible.
These Super Health Centers focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection—especially in grassroots communities. Free consultations are administered through municipal health offices, local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) via the Konsulta program. The centers are being pursued through the efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and LGUs.
The senator went on to highlight the importance of regionalizing access to specialized healthcare. He discussed the implementation of Regional Specialty Centers under RA 11959, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors of. The law mandates the establishment of specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
Go, who also chairs the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, took the opportunity to encourage young people to stay active and stay away from harmful vices.
“Dahil chairman po ako ng Committee on Sports, iniengganyo ko po ang mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he said as he handed out basketballs and volleyballs to families in the community.
During the visit, Go also took time to support small local businesses affected by the fire. He was seen purchasing palabok and ice drops from community vendors, providing not just support for evacuees but also a small boost to their livelihood.
Ending his remarks with a call for compassion and action, Go told the community: “Sa lahat po ng pamilyang naririto, huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa… Serbisyo, pagmamalasakit, at sipag po ang pwede kong ialay sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino.”
“Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he concluded.