Bong Go visits Sulu to deliver assistance to fire victims

MANILA, Philippines — True to his promise to reach out to Filipinos anywhere in the country, Sen. Bong Go traveled to one of the southernmost parts of the country, Sulu province, on Thursday to deliver assistance to fire victims there.

Over 2,227 families, comprising 11,225 individuals, lost their homes due to an electric overload that razed their houses and properties last Feb. 3. The families have been temporarily evacuated to a nearby sports complex in Jolo.

“To my countrymen affected by the fire, do not worry. The government is here, Allah is here ready to help,” Go said.

“What’s important is that no one was hurt. It is our job to serve every Filipino. And like I promised before, no matter where in the Philippines I will come to you as much as my time and body allows,” the senator added.

Go, whose advocacies include ensuring immediate government response to calamities and natural disasters, brought relief and financial assistance to each family.

The senator also offered to provide new sets of school uniforms and shoes to each student affected by the incident. According to Go, classes should not be interrupted due to incidents like this. He strongly encouraged the students to immediately go back to their respective schools.

“For the students here, I will shoulder your uniforms and school supplies. Even in times of accidents like this you should still be able to go to school. You should not neglect your studies because this is important to you,” Go said.

In his message to the fire victims, Go emphasized that it is not only his duty to be a legislator. As a public servant, he said that it is also his duty to visit Filipinos, most especially those who live far from Metro Manila, in their times of need in order to listen to their concerns and provide solutions to their daily struggles.

Meanwhile, concerned government agencies also went to Sulu to assist the victims. Representatives of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were present to provide additional assistance to the residents.

The NHA provided cash assistance initially to 100 families whose houses were damaged. The rest will be distributed next week. DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program was also provided as financial assistance to each family, while PCSO distributed grocery packs.

For individuals interested in skills training, TESDA offered a carpentry training program. 

Meanwhile, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan told members of the media during an ambush interview that he appreciates the efforts of the senator to bring service to Filipinos, especially in this time of need.

“Senator Bong Go truly went here on his own to extend the service of the administration,” Tan told reporters. 

The Philippine Army, Coast Guard and Philippine National Police were also hands on in assisting the senator and the government agencies while providing aid to the fire victims.

Private groups, such as the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, were also present to give support.