In a continuing effort to assist communities recovering from calamities, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team extended support to fire and flood victims in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat during a relief outreach conducted on Thursday, July 3, to help them rebuild and recover.
Go’s Malasakit Team personally visited the town to bring aid to 57 affected residents, including one fire-hit household and dozens more displaced by floods, ensuring they felt the senator’s compassion and service in the aftermath of their ordeal.
Held at the Kalamansig municipal building, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed food packs, shirts, sports equipment like basketballs and volleyballs to all beneficiaries. Select beneficiaries also received a pair of shoes and a watch.
“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit po, napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever. Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo kapwa Pilipino. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” the senator reminded in a video message, emphasizing the importance of bayanihan spirit in times of adversity.
Go also thanked the national government for extending financial aid to help the victims begin rebuilding their homes. Each of the affected families received assistance under the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito na ating isinulong, makakatanggap po kayo ng emergency housing assistance mula sa gobyerno para makabili ng mga pangunahing materyales tulad ng yero, pako, at iba pang pampaayos ng bahay upang makapagpatayo at makabangon muli,” Go explained.
Meanwhile, the senator reiterated his legislative efforts to address housing needs, especially for communities affected by fire and other emergencies. He filed anew in the 20th Congress a measure seeking to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program to provide temporary shelter support for disaster victims while they transition to permanent housing.
Additionally, Go cited Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he also principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the establishment of disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities to reduce the burden on makeshift shelters during calamities.
He likewise acknowledged the invaluable support of local officials in organizing the activity, including Governor Datu Pax Mangudadatu, Vice Governor Prince Raden Sakaluran, Mayor Ronan Eugene Garcia, Vice Mayor Leslie Caberte, and MSWDO representative Roshello Caluyo.
“Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa mga officials: ‘Wag pabayaan ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” Go reminded. “Bukas dapat palagi ang inyong tanggapan tuwing may nangangailangan.”
Senator Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a known health reforms crusader, also reminded residents of the availability of government medical aid. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan where medical assistance from various agencies is streamlined to reduce the financial burden on indigent patients.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.
“‘Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,’” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.