Sen. Bong Go spearheads groundbreaking of a bridge construction in San Pablo, Laguna, on Wednesday.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go attended the groundbreaking of a bridge project in Barangay Sta. Ana in San Pablo City, Laguna on Wednesday, fulfilling his promise of rebuilding the old bridge that collapsed last January.

The senator credited the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the rest of the national government for responding to the residents’ appeal for help in erecting anew the structure that is more than 50 years old.

A dump truck carrying sand that weighed above the bridge’s maximum capacity limit contributed to the collapse.

“Salamat po sa DPWH, sa national government natin, kay Pangulong Duterte at sa mga opisyales natin dito dahil natuloy na kaagad ang groundbreaking after eight months,” Go said.

The ceremony was sentimental for Go as he was one of the first who visited the site. He saw the need to immediately stabilize the livelihood of residents and normalize the mobility of commuters, basic goods and services around Barangays San Isidro and Santisimo Rosario which the bridge connects.

“Nagkaroon po kaagad ng pondo… Pera naman po ito ng tao. Para naman po ito sa kanilang ikabubuti,” he added.

Go told residents he will continue to be the bridge of Filipinos to the President and the rest of the national government.

“Ako po ay patuloy ninyong magiging tulay kay Pangulong Duterte at nung sinabi kong patuloy niyo akong magiging tulay, alam niyo minsan, lumapit agad si Mayor Loreto Amante ng San Pablo, sabi niya, ‘Kung tulay ka ni Pangulo, meron akong sulat, mayroon po kaming sirang tulay’,” Go shared as to how he was asked to relay the cry for help of San Pablo City residents.

“Ang importante po ay magkakaroon na kayo ng tulay at kami po ni Pangulong Duterte, kung ano ang pwede naming maitulong sa ninyo sa inyong lugar dito sa San Pablo, sa mga barangay captains po, ‘wag po kayong mag-atubiling lumapit, lalong-lalo na sa pagpapagamot,” Go said.

Before the groundbreaking, Go extended help to 23 families affected by a fire that broke out on 4 September in Barangay Nueva in nearby San Pedro.

The victims, who were gathered at the town center in San Pedro Complex, received financial assistance and grocery items.

Go told the 72 affected residents of Purok 3 in Garcia Street that he keeps on visiting communities around the country to listen to their concerns and to remain aware of the true situation and the needs of the people.

“Ituring po ninyo akong parang kapitbahay niyo lang. Huwag ninyo akong ituring na senador. Hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin naiisip na senador ako,” Go said.

He also assured parents that he will take care of the uniforms and school supplies of their children so that they can go back to school immediately.

For those who have serious medical conditions, they will be assisted if they need to go to Metro Manila for consultation.

“Kung kailangan po ninyo ng espesyalista, tutulungan ko po kayong makapagpagamot sa Manila,” Go said.

Go also offered options for those who want to relocate to other provinces, especially those wishing to go back to their relatives in Mindanao.

The victims likewise received assistance from representatives of various government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, National Housing Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

“Minsan lang tayo dumaan sa mundong ito, kaya kung anong kabutihan ang puwede nating gawin, gawin na natin,” he said.