Sen. Bong Go distributed assistance to 93 families that lost their homes to a fire in Taguig City

Sen. Bong Go puts a smile on the faces of Taguig fire victims during his visit on Wednesday. Mayor Lani Cayetano (front, 4th from left) joined the senator who distributed financial assistance.

It will still be a merry Christmas after all for 93 families that lost their homes to a fire in Taguig City after Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go distributed financial and relief assistance on Wednesday.

The fire, which broke out Saturday morning in Purok Pulang Araw, Barangay Ligid, unfortunately resulted in the death of a two-year-old girl. The victim’s family received additional financial assistance.

“Kapag may nasunugan, gagawan ko ng paraan na mapuntahan kayo dahil ito ang panahong kailangan niyo ng tulong at solusyon kaagad,” Go told the victims, who are temporarily staying at Tipas Elementary School. “Kahit saang sulok po ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko po kayo hanggang sa makakaya ko para magbigay ng tulong at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati.”

Go also assured schoolchildren their studies won’t be disrupted.

“’Yung mga estudyanteng kailangan ng uniporme at school supplies, magsabi lang po kayo, ako na po ang bibili,” said Go.

The families also received donations from private individuals and help from relevant government agencies—housing materials from the National Housing Authority, livelihood assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry and financial assistance from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development likewise gave immediate financial assistance and additional assistance under the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Go acknowledged the efforts of the officials of Taguig City and Tipas ES in responding to the needs of the victims. He informed the fire victims that he is pushing for the establishment of permanent and dedicated evacuation centers in areas that are prone to disasters.

“Isa sa isinusulong ko po ang permanent evacuation center. Tuwing may nasusunugan, nabahaan o nalindol, ang hirap na walang sariling evacuation center. Dapat meron kayong maayos na higaan at comfort room,” said Go, who has filed a bill that seeks to create the Department of Disaster Resilience.

He also announced in his speech that a Malasakit Center will soon be opened in the city.

“Magkakaroon na rin po tayo ng Malasakit Center dito sa Taguig. Bubuksan po ’yan sa susunod na buwan (January),” said Go.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance. At the center, patients or their representatives can ask for help from representatives from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Health, DSWD and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

“Hindi na po ninyo kailangang pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina,” Go explained.

There are 55 Malasakit Centers that have been opened in government hospitals all over the country. Early this month, the establishment of the centers has been institutionalized when President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Malasakit Center Act of 2019.