Hope and comfort Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go comforts one of the fire victims in General Santos City he visited on 2 January 2019 to bring relief goods and cheer them up. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) and 2019 senatorial candidate Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, along with his friends, on Wednesday provided assistance to fire victims temporarily sheltered at the Irineo High School in Barangay South Dadiangas, Gen. Santos City.

A fire that broke out on 28 December near Barangay South Dadiangas public market destroyed more than 100 houses, left 200 families homeless and caused property damage estimated at P500,000.

Go also assured the fire victims that he and his friends, as well as the government, are ready to help them rebuild their lives.

“We are here to help you start your lives anew,” he said.

The Social Welfare and Development Office of Gen. Santos City had earlier provided food and non-food items to fire victims.

Go and his supporters gave additional assistance to the fire victims, including clothes, shoes, grocery items, food packs, meals and cash assistance to affected families. They also vowed to give uniforms to students and medical assistance to those who need it.

A member of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) jury, Go also distributed MMFF cinema passes to the residents in the area as well as gifts to those who were celebrating their birthdays to cheer them up.

Go also expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to extending help to the fire victims. He also urged concerned government agencies to provide additional assistance to the fire victims, including the National Housing Authority whose representatives were present when the former SAP visited the area.

He vowed to seek additional help for the fire victims by coordinating with other agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Don’t forget that the government is here to help you. On my part, I will bring your concerns to the government,” Go said.

Meanwhile, Go also announced that a Malasakit Center will soon open at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital that will cater to people in Gen. Santos, South Cotabato and the rest of Region 12.

A Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that houses together concerned agencies to make it easier for indigent patients to avail of themselves of medical and financial assistance from the government.

Go and his supporters also provided members of the community particularly the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association a few tricycle units and grocery items as livelihood assistance.

He also encouraged tricycle drivers to continue supporting the Duterte administration in fighting illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.