The Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go conducted relief activities in Negros Occidental for the fire victims in Bacolod City as part of the Senator's continuing efforts to help Filipinos in distress recover faster and build back better.

"Kamusta kayo, mga kapatid kong Ilonggo? Sana nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Huwag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa dahil may gobyerno kayo na nagmamalasakit sa inyo. Hinding-hindi kayo pababayaan ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte at ng administrasyong ito," Go reassured in a video call.

The Senator noted that poor communities are more vulnerable to fire incidents, so he urged the local authorities to boost their information awareness campaign in order to better educate the residents on fire safety and prevention measures.

In 2019, the Senator introduced Senate Bill No. 204 which directs the BFP to implement a modernization program which will include the acquisition of modern fire equipment, hiring of more personnel, and the provision of specialized training programs.

"Ang pinaka-importante po dito ay magkakaroon po ng monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drive in all government units, particularly in informal settler areas and economically depressed areas po," Go explained.

Meanwhile, a total of 74 families comprising 110 individuals from Brgy. Singcang and Brgy. 23 took part in a distribution activity conducted in batches. They received financial assistance, meals, food packs, vitamins, masks, and face shields while in strict compliance with health and safety protocols.

Selected beneficiaries were given new shoes, while those facing difficulties in commuting were provided with bicycles. Others with children studying at home under the blended learning set-up also received tablets.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, he offered to assist those in need of medical care. He informed those who need medical assistance that they may conveniently avail of such from the government through the Malasakit Center at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.

The Malasakit Center brings together the offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under one roof to provide government financial and medical assistance to patients.

Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, authored and sponsored by Go, was signed by President Duterte in December 2019. The law mandates the establishment of the center in every DOH-run hospital nationwide and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

In addition to Go's team, personnel from the DSWD also took part in the activities and provided the beneficiaries with financial assistance.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority committed to assist displaced workers upon completion of their respective assessments.

The Senator went on to recognize the public officials who are tirelessly working to serve the needs of the affected communities. He expressed his gratitude to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Mayor Bing Leonardia, and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran.

"Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin ni Pangulo Duterte dahil trabaho namin ang magserbisyo sa inyo. Kami nga ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon para manilbihan sa inyo. Makakaasa kayo na hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ito," vowed Go.

Meanwhile, Go also said that the Duterte administration continues to boost infrastructure development to bring economic growth in all regions in the country. In particular, Go has supported the funding of several projects in Bacolod City such as improvements in the Bacolod South Old Road and by-pass road. (PR from OSBG)