SEN. Bong Go, along with his team, assisted families impacted by a recent fire in Barangay Santa Ana, Taguig City, on June 10 and reaffirmed his dedication to safeguarding the health and welfare of Filipinos, particularly those affected by disasters and emergencies.
“The health and life of every Filipino matter to me. As I said, we can purchase items and earn money through hard work. However, life is irreplaceable. Our lives hold significant value, and Filipinos are known for supporting one another,” Go expressed during a video call.
The relief operation held at the Santa Ana Multipurpose Hall served 574 affected families, who received grocery packs, vitamins, snacks, shirts, pens and balls. Some recipients also received shoes, a mobile phone and a bicycle.
Acknowledging that disasters can pose significant health risks to communities in distress, Go, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, urged residents to prioritize their health and seek medical assistance whenever required.
He also encouraged beneficiaries to utilize government health care initiatives, particularly the Malasakit Centers program, established through Republic Act (RA) 11463, which Go primarily authored and sponsored as one-stop facilities.
As reported by the Department of Health, more than 17 million Filipinos have benefited from the 167 operational Malasakit Centers across the country.
In Taguig City, a Malasakit Center is located at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, offering aid to indigent patients in need of medical assistance.
In addition to immediate relief efforts, Go stressed the importance of enhancing disaster preparedness and safeguarding public health during emergencies.
Moreover, Go cited RA 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. This law aims to improve the country’s firefighting capabilities by providing advanced equipment, advanced training and institutional support, ultimately helping to prevent fatalities, and mitigate health and safety risks associated with fire incidents.
He also referenced his involvement as principal author and co-sponsor of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the creation of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities nationwide.
This legislation aims to provide safer, more dignified temporary shelters for displaced families while ensuring access to essential services, including health care and sanitation, during crises.
“I will serve to the best of my ability because it is my nature to serve, and I believe that serving the people is equivalent to serving God,” Go concluded.
