Bong Go aids Surigao Norte typhoon victims

MANILA, Philippines — As he continues to assist residents affected by natural disasters, Sen. Bong Go sent aid to victims of Typhoon Auring in remote island communities in Tagana-an in Surigao del Norte on Tuesday.

“Alam kong sa panahon ngayon, marami ang nawalan ng trabaho at nagsara na negosyo. Bawat tao na apektado ay may pamilyang binubuhay at pinapakain kaya magtulungan po tayo. Importante na malampasan natin itong krisis na ito,” Go said in a video message.  

“Ngayon, ang iba sa inyo ay tinamaan pa ng bagyo. Mag-ingat tayo dahil paparating na ang tag-ulan. Makinig tayo sa mga paalala ng gobyerno. Kapag may warning, lumikas na tayo at dahil delikado ang mabahaan,” he added.

Go’s staff distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, face masks and face shields to 2,122 beneficiaries at the covered courts in Barangays Aurora and Talavera. A majority of the beneficiaries are residents of Barangays Talavera, Patinio and Cawilan.

Selected beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes while others were given bicycles so they can commute with ease. Another set of residents received computer tablets to help their children participate in their classes under the blended learning set-up.

Go also offered to assist those seeking medical care by availing themselves of the services of Malasakit Centers at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and Butuan Medical Center.

Teams from the Departments of Labor and Employment and Trade and Industry as well as National Housing Authority assessed potential beneficiaries for their respective aid programs.

Representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance, those from the Department of Agriculture distributed vegetable seeds while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered scholarship grants and livelihood training to qualified beneficiaries.

To mitigate the impact of disasters on local communities, Go vowed to push for the passage of Senate Bill 1228, which provides for the establishment of evacuation centers in every town, city and province.