Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go extended additional assistance to fire-hit families in Davao City on Thursday, September 18, through his Malasakit Team, which visited Barangays 10-A and Centro in Agdao District.
The initiative aimed to support families recovering from a recent fire that left several households displaced.
In a message of solidarity, Go reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to public service:
“Hindi ko po sasayangin ang tiwalang ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Maglilingkod po ako. Hindi ako pulitikong basta nangangako—gagawin ko po ang trabaho ko sa abot ng aking makakaya para sa Pilipino. Sipag, pagmamalasakit, at serbisyo po ang kaya kong ialay sa inyo.”
Through Go’s support, eligible beneficiaries received emergency housing assistance from the national government to help them rebuild their homes and recover from the tragedy.
“Ito ay isang malaking tulong para sa mga kababayan nating nawalan ng tirahan,” the senator said. “Sa tulong ng emergency housing assistance program na ating isinulong noon, maaari kayong makabili ng yero, pako, kahoy, at iba pang pangunahing materyales para makapagsimula muli.”
The aid distribution was held at the barangay halls of 10-A and Centro, where affected families received grocery packs, snacks, shirts, and electric fans. Selected beneficiaries also received additional items such as watches, caps, basketballs, and volleyballs.
Go also took the opportunity to encourage victims to remain hopeful despite their losses:
“Sa mga kababayan nating nawalan ng tahanan, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang mahalaga, ligtas ang ating pamilya. Ang mga gamit ay nabibili at maaaring palitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever.”
As part of his broader disaster resilience efforts, Go highlighted Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the construction of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality to reduce reliance on makeshift shelters during calamities.
In addition, the senator noted the re-filing of Senate Bill No. 415, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program to provide temporary shelter support for disaster victims while they transition to permanent housing.
“Bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said, reinforcing his reputation as “Mr. Malasakit” for his hands-on approach to helping Filipinos in times of need.
