Talisay fire victims receive help from Go

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has continued helping fire victims in Cebu amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

This time, the office of the senator has distributed assistance to 45 families comprising 199 individuals affected by a fire incident that happened on February 12, 2021 in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City, Cebu.

“Alam ko na mayroon na ngang sunog, mayroon pang pandemya. Mahirap ang panahon ngayon dahil may krisis tayong kinakaharap, pero magtulungan lang tayong mga Bisaya para malampasan natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap ngayon,” Go told the beneficiaries in a video call.

The beneficiaries received meals, cash assistance, food packs, masks, face shields, and vitamins.

A selected recipient also received a bicycle for his commute to work given the limited transportation options amid the pandemic.

Another recipient received a computer tablet for his child’s use in classes as part of the blended learning in school.

Go’s team also gave away pairs of shoes to other fire victims.

Go also offered to help those who need immediate medical attention.

He urged the beneficiaries to avail of the services in the nearby Malasakit Centers wherein the poor and the indigents are the priority.

These centers are located at the Talisay City District Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, both in Cebu City; Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, and Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City.

Personnel from the Department of Social and Development were present to distribute separate cash assistance to the beneficiaries.

The Department of Trade and Industry also conducted the profiling of the fire victims for its livelihood program while the National Housing Authority committed to provide relocation and housing assistance once its assessment has been completed.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will also provide scholarship grants for its vocational courses.

Go, who reminded the beneficiaries to strictly observe the government’s health and safety protocols, assured them that once the COVID-19 vaccine is available and deemed safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration, the poor and the vulnerable will be prioritized.

He also lauded the local government officials of Talisay City headed by Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr., Barangay Captain Chester Salcedo and the rest of the officials for their untiring service and support to their constituents most especially the fire victims who have lost their homes. — GMR (FREEMAN)