Go aids fire victims in CDO, Gingoog

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go sympathized and assisted last Saturday the 85 families who were affected by three separate fire incidents in Misamis Oriental’s Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog cities.

Aside from providing financial and relief assistance, Go was also joined by concerned government agencies during the visit to evacuation centers to provide additional aid to the victims.

“Ako ay may dalang financial assistance para sa inyo para kahit papaano ay maibsan nyo ang sakunang naranasan. Nais ko lang po mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati. Iba naman po yong tulong na galing naman sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na pinakiusapan natin na tumulong rin dito (I have a little financial assistance to help you in what you are going through. I hope this will make you feel better at this time of your life. This is apart from the help that will be given by other government agencies),” Go told the victims.

The senator said he has coordinated with the National Housing Authority (NHA) on the possible relocation sites that could be given to those who lost their dwellings and to provide housing materials to those who need to rebuild or repair their houses.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also providing livelihood assistance to eligible victims. 

As for jobs seekers, he said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is ready to assist them while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will also provide scholarships to those who want to study.

Go promised students who were affected by the fires some help in replacing their lost uniforms, books and school supplies so their schooling will not be disrupted.

He also encouraged those injured or needing medical attention to avail themselves of the government’s medical assistance program from any Malasakit Center—a one-stop shop office hosting concerned government agencies that provide medical and financial assistance to those in need.

There are two Malasakit Centers in Cagayan de Oro City—one at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and another at the JR Borja General Hospital.

The senator’s desire to institutionalize the centers has also made significant strides in the legislative process. Senate Bill 1076, or the Malasakit Center Act of 2019, which seeks to institutionalize the establishment of Malasakit Centers in all 73 hospitals run by the Department of Health (DOH), was approved on third and final reading in the Senate last Nov. 11.

It has also been approved on second reading in the House of Representatives on Nov. 14 and is expected to be tackled for third and final reading next week.