Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his appeal to create a focused department that would address natural and human-induced disasters in his video message to thousands of flood victims during the distribution activity held at Diplahan National High School in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday, August 17.

Senator Go, since elected in 2019, has been committed to pushing measures that are intended to create a more efficient whole-of-government approach during crisis situations as the country is known to be vulnerable to typhoons and other calamities. In this regard, Go filed Senate Bill No. 205 that shall mandate the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience.

During the last State of the Nation Address on July 26, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his full support for the proposed measure as the initiative is aligned with his vision to provide a comfortable life to every Filipino, even in times of crisis.

Under the said bill, DDR aims to unify and streamline all functions and responsibilities related to addressing disaster related concerns. The department will concentrate on disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

“Mayro’n po akong nai-file sa Senado, Deparment of Disaster Resilience – a cabinet secretary-level na nakatutok po bago dumating ang bagyo, coordination with the local government officials,” said Go.

“A cabinet secretary-level na nakatutok po sa mga lugar na tatamaan ng bagyo, maging pagputok man ng bulkan mailikas kaagad ‘yung mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar,” he added.

Meanwhile, to ensure an efficient distribution for 3,000 displaced individuals in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, necessary safety and health protocols were strictly enforced by Go’s team and they even grouped them into smaller batches to further prevent the spread of the virus.

The beneficiaries then received relief items, such as meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Furthermore, Go gave new pairs of shoes and computer tablets to selected recipients.

Some individuals also brought home bicycles to ease their commute situation considering that public transportation remains limited.

Continuing his remarks, Senator Go expressed his gratitude towards several national government agencies for extending additional aid to the flood victims.

Each beneficiary received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development while the Department of Health gave free medical consultations and supplies of masks.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment determined recipients who will be qualified for their respective livelihood programs.

Lastly, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority evaluated beneficiaries for their skills training program.

As more Filipinos struggle to access quality healthcare services, Senator Go reached out to those with health concerns and encouraged them to visit any of the seven Malasakit Centers in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Malasakit Centers are located at Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City and Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig, both in Zambonga del Sur; Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital in Zamboanga City; Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital in Dapitan City, and Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center in Dipolog City, both in Zamboanga del Norte.

Go expressed his concern over indigent patients who are reluctant to seek medical care caused by financial constraints. This led the Senator to push for the successful passage of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na, isinulong ko noong 2019, pinirmahan ni Pangulong Duterte. One-stop shop po ‘yan, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD tutulungan ho kayo hanggang maging zero balance po ang inyong billing,” said Go.

Go then praised the local government officials for their immeasurable service and support to their constituents amid the national health crisis. Among the officials were Representative Wilter “Sharky” II Wee Palma, Governor Atty. Wilter Yap Palma, Vice Governor Atty. Rey Andre Oligario, and many others.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go committed to support infrastructure development in Diplahan, including the opening and graveling of farm-to-market road connecting Brgys. Goling and Tuno.

Furthermore, Go supported the improvement of drainage canal in Alicia; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Alicia, Buug, Imelda, Ipil, Mabuhay, and Talusan; road construction and improvement in Buug, Imelda, Ipil, Naga, and Olutanga.

The Senator likewise helped in pushing for the construction of water system in Imelda; construction of two multi-purpose covered courts, acquisition of mini dump truck and an ambulance unit in Ipil; construction of public market in Mabuhay; street light construction project in Payao and Titay; and construction of an evacuation center in Talusan.

“Alam ko na mahirap ang panahon ngayon dahil nandito tayo sa krisis na dulot ng COVID-19. Magtulungan lang tayo, magbayanihan tayo, magmalasakit tayo sa ating kapwa tao para malampasan natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap sa ngayon,” Go ended.