Bong Go visits La Castellana to help underprivileged families still recovering from Mt. Kanlaon ashfall

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, October 19, extending support to 930 families affected by the recent Mt. Kanlaon ashfall.

Months ago, Go ensured that those affected by the ashfall receive aid immediately during the crisis as he deployed his Malasakit Team to provide relief and support. This time, Go visited the town to check on these affected communities.

During his visit, Senator Go partnered with local officials led by Mayor Alme Rhummyla “Mhai” Nicor-Mangilimutan, Vice Mayor Alberto Nicor, Jr., Councilor Añejo Nicor among others, to provide various forms of aid as well as financial support to indigent families from various barangays.

In addition, the senator also provided grocery packs, meals, vitamins, masks, and shirts to the beneficiaries. There were also select recipients of basketballs, volleyballs, shoes, mobile phones, bicycles, and a watch.

“Magtulungan po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Kapag may kalamidad, kailangan po natin magmalasakit sa ating kapwa. Kayo po ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa akin upang patuloy kayong pagsilbihan,” Go said during his visit.

Go continues to push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act. This bill aims to establish a specialized cabinet-level department committed to developing and assisting communities to be adaptable, disaster-resilient, and secure.

“Layunin ng panukalang ito na mapalakas ang ating kakayahan sa disaster risk reduction, paghahanda, pagtugon sa emergencies, at mabilis na pagbangon pagkatapos ng mga kalamidad. Kung saka-sakaling maisabatas, magkakaroon po ng departamentong nakatutok na may cabinet-secretary level na timon. Hindi lang coordinating council o task force,” he explained.

“Ibig sabihin, ito na po ang makikipag- coordinate bago dumating ang bagyo, preposition of goods, and coordination with LGUs para ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo ay restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation efforts para tuluy-tuloy po silang makabangon,” he explained.
Go also co-sponsored and is one of the authors of SBN 2451, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. This bill aims to establish fully functional mandatory evacuation centers in strategic locations nationwide.

On the same day, Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, inspected the ongoing construction of the Super Health Center in La Castellana, an initiative that aligns with his advocacy to ensure accessible healthcare in far-flung communities. The center, once completed, will provide basic health services to residents and lessen the burden on hospitals.

Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide. In Negros Occidental, a total of 31 Super Health Centers are funded.

During the inspection, Go also extended assistance, such as snacks and grocery packs, to 427 barangay health workers, acknowledging their vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of the town’s residents.

“Sa ating mga health workers, patuloy po kayong aasahan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na po sa ganitong panahon. Huwag kayong mag-alala, patuloy ko rin pong susuportahan ang inyong mga kapakanan,” Go expressed, praising the health workers for their dedication.

Further, Go distributed additional foodpacks for 233 members of the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) Team, 94 Kanlaon Green Brigaders and 27 Sports coordinator in the town.

This year, Go also supported the construction of the La Castellana Municipal Hospital.

Aside from his visit to La Castellana, Senator Go also inspected the Super Health Center in the nearby town of Moises Padilla. Go also conducted additional relief efforts in the towns of Moises Padilla and Pontevedra.

Furthermore, Go attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a road project in Pontevedra, which he supported in his capacity as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

“Hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataon na ibinigay niyo sa amin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Sanay po ako sa trabaho dahil yan na ang nakagawian ko noon pa — ang pagtatrabaho at ang aking tanging bisyo na magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he underscored.* (BG FBP)