Rehab, housing for quake-hit town underway

Go told the injured to visit the nearest Malasakit Center to get medical assistance.

Sen. Bong Go gives presents and treats to children from North Cotabato affected by earthquakes to help them forget the trauma from the disaster.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Sunday said the national and local governments are working on the rehabilitation of Padada town which sustained extensive damage from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that shook Davao del Sur last 15 December.

Go who visited the town to distribute relief goods and financial assistance to families displaced by the powerful earthquake also said the housing needs of those who lost their homes are being addressed.

“‘Yung rehabilitation plan at housing, pinag-aaralan na po ‘yan ng LGUs kasama ang ating government agencies. Ang DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), aayusin po ‘yung mga daan na nasira o ‘di kaya naman ay gagawan nang bago,” said Go.

“Paparating ko rin kay Pangulong Duterte ‘yung nasirang munisipyo at building ng Philippine National Police (PNP) para makabalik sa normal ang kanilang operasyon. Mahalaga po ang papel ng local government at pulis,” he said.

Go added, “Nakipag-ugnayan na po tayo sa NHA (National Housing Authority) para mabigyan ng assistance ang mga biktima ng lindol,” he said. “‘Yung retiree kanina na nasira ‘yung bahay niya na pinag-ipunan n’ya, tutulong sa kanya ang NHA.”

As for residents who need special medical care and treatment, Go said he is willing to bring them to Davao City and have them checked by specialists if needed. He also encouraged the residents, especially those who are injured or in need of medical attention, to go to the nearest Malasakit Center to avail of government assistance for their health care needs.

“Sa mga nasaktan o nangangailangan ng tulong medikal, lumapit lamang po tayo sa pinakamalapit na Malasakit Center. Kanina, nakilala ko ‘yung isang babae na nadaganan. Dadalhin po siya sa Davao (city) para ipa-check natin at ipagamot,” Go said.

There are existing Malasakit Centers in Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City; Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City.

During his visit, the senator was accompanied by representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Office of the Special Assistant to the President and NHA to provide additional assistance to the earthquake victims.

“Nariyan ang DSWD para magbigay ng financial assistance, ang DTI para naman magbigay ng livelihood sa mga nais mag-hanapbuhay,” said Go.

Meanwhile, Go toured North Cotabato children affected by a series of earthquake in late October this year in a Davao City mall and joined them after his visit in Padada.

At least 12 people were killed in the 15 December temblor while another 210 were injured.