Senator Bong Go dispatched his team to assist families affected by a recent fire in Cagayan de Oro City, while underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive government response to the ongoing fuel crisis.
Go emphasized the importance of valuing life amid tragedy, reminding victims to remain hopeful despite their loss.
“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,” the veteran legislator said in a video call.
The distribution activity was held at the Barangay Camaman-an Hall, where a total of 127 beneficiaries received food packs, snacks, water containers, vitamins, shirts, fans, as well as basketballs or volleyballs.
Financial assistance was also provided, while select recipients received additional items such as watches, a mobile phone, and shoes.
The seasoned lawmaker likewise acknowledged the efforts of national government agencies conducting on-site assessments to ensure that affected families receive adequate and sustained support.
The senator then acknowledged the local officials such as Mayor Klarex Uy, Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, Councilor Girlie Balaba, and Barangay Captain Carl Harrison D. Galarrita of Camaman-an.
Underscoring the value of unity in times of crisis, he encouraged bayanihan among Filipinos.
“Magtulungan lang po tayo.”
“Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo kapwa Pilipino,” Go said.
He also highlighted the significance of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law aims to strengthen the capabilities of fire personnel through improved equipment, enhanced training, and increased manpower.
In line with his continued advocacy for disaster resilience, Go is also pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 415, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program. The proposed measure aims to assist displaced families and informal settlers in securing safe and decent temporary shelter.
He then highlighted the worsening economic situation faced by many Filipinos, particularly those already vulnerable due to disasters.
“Napakamahal na po ng mga bilihin ngayon. Ako po ay galing sa probinsya noong isang araw, at ramdam ko ang hirap ng ating mga kababayan, mga magsasaka at ordinaryong Pilipino na nagsisikap para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go shared.
“Ang sweldo nila ay napupunta lamang sa pamasahe o pambili ng gasolina na halos linggo-linggong tumataas. Paano na lang ang pambayad sa tuition ng anak o kaya’y sa kuryente at tubig?” he added.
In response to the escalating oil prices, Go revealed plans to introduce a proposed measure modeled after the Bayanihan laws enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are planning to file a proposed measure similar to the Bayanihan laws enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Kaya naman, we are planning to file a proposed measure similar to the Bayanihan laws enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed legislation, which we refer to as the Fuel Crisis Immediate Relief and Response Bill, aims to provide a comprehensive and rapid government response to mitigate the effects of the oil price surge,” he explained.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Panginoon, serbisyo rin kay Allah,” Go concluded.
