Following a fire incident that hit San Pedro City, Laguna, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided emergency assistance to the affected families who are currently in a vulnerable situation having been evacuated and placed in transitional shelters amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Go’s personnel on Friday, June 4, distributed meals, financial assistance, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 67 families or 280 fire survivors. The activity was held in batches at the Chrysanthemum Elementary School while ensuring all health and safety protocols against COVID-19 were strictly observed.

Moreover, selected beneficiaries were given new pairs of shoes or bicycles so that they can commute with relative ease. Others received computer tablets to help with their blended learning activities.

As part of the national government’s response to help communities in distress, various agencies also extended other forms of aid.

A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development handed out financial assistance in a separate distribution. The Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority also conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for their respective assistance programs.

In an interview, Evelyn Peña, a laundress from Barangay Cuyab, conveyed her gratitude to the Senator’s team and government personnel for coming together to address the needs of the affected communities.

“Maraming, maraming salamat kay Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte, Senator Go at sa mga staff nila para sa tulong na kanilang ibinigay sa mga pamilyang nasunugan at naghihirap nang dahil sa pandemya,” said Peña.

“Mahirap talaga ang sitwasyon namin ngayon, lalo na sa mga single parents na gaya ko na naapektuhan ang kabuhayan. Kung dati, ang iniisip ko lang ay kung ano ang kakainin namin, ngayon pinoproblema ko kung saan kami tutuloy ng mga anak ko,” she shared.

Recognizing the long-term negative impacts of a disaster on a community, the Senator renewed his call, during his video message, for the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers across the country that can support the needs of evacuees.

In 2019, he filed Senate Bill No. 1228 which provides for the construction of an evacuation center in every local government unit which furnishes a minimum set of requirements, such as its accessibility, amenities and operation, among others.

“Kailangan magpatayo tayo ng mga dedicated evacuation centers na may basic facilities at sapat na emergency supplies, gaya ng tubig, gamot at relief goods. When disaster strikes, it is the poor who suffer the most. Nagsisikipan sila sa mga covered courts o paaralan. Obligasyon ng gobyerno na maging handa sa oras ng sakuna,” explained Go.

To further ensure their well-being, he offered to help those suffering from injuries or other health concerns. Go also advised them to obtain further aid from the Malasakit Centers located at the San Pablo City General Hospital or the Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz.

The center brings together under one roof the agencies from which patients may seek medical assistance, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 117 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

The Senator then expressed his gratitude to the local officials for their response to the incident, including 1st District Representative Danilo Fernandez, Governor Ramil Hernandez, Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Lourdes Cataquiz, Vice Mayor Art Mercado, and Chrysanthemum Punong Barangay Resty Hernandez Jr.

He vowed his continued support for the people of Laguna, having previously extended the same aid to 27 families who were gravely affected by a fire in Santa Rosa City on Wednesday, May 26.

“Batangueno rin po ako… kahit na lumaki kami sa Davao, ang lolo’t lola ko ay dito lang sa Sto. Tomas at tsaka sa Tanauan kaya magkapitbahay lang po tayo ng probinsya. Lapitan niyo lang ako dahil patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa kapwa kong Pilipino. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan mga kapwa kong taga-CALABARZON,” Go said, who was declared an adopted son of the CALABARZON region in a manifesto issued in 2019 by the governors of Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon and Rizal.