Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and his team on Friday, 17 March, distributed assistance to his fellow Davaoeños in Barangay San Isidro, Bunawan District, Davao City who were affected by the recent flash flood.

During his visit, he also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the water system and road concreting projects, the funding for which he supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.

In his visit, Go stressed his unwavering commitment to serve the people, especially those in need of government attention. He also assured fellow Davaoeños that he will do his best to serve them and foster further development in the region.

“Pangako ko sa mga Pilipino, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko kayo basta kaya ng aking katawan at tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil mahal ko po kayo at mahal ko ang pagseserbisyo sa kapwa ko Pilipino,” said Go.

Meanwhile, Go lauded the water system and road concreting projects in the area, saying that they are important in creating a more sustainable and resilient community.

The water system project will provide access to clean and potable water for the residents of Brgy. San Isidro. This is a crucial development, especially during natural disasters like the recent flash flood that hit the area as it ensures that the community will have access to safe water, which is vital in maintaining good health and preventing the spread of waterborne diseases.

On the other hand, the road concreting project will improve the accessibility and connectivity of the community. It will make it easier for residents to travel, transport goods and services, and access emergency services.

“As a public servant, it is my duty to ensure that every Filipino has access to basic services and opportunities for growth. These projects are a step towards achieving that goal,” Go said.

During the relief activity, the senator and his team assisted 759 beneficiaries who received grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts. They also provided cellular phones, shoes, watches, and caps to select individuals.

In addition, the senator gave away bicycles and balls for volleyball and basketball to several residents.

Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Apart from the relief items, the senator, who also serves as head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered additional help to those who require medical treatment. He likewise encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Southern Philippines Medical Center in the city.

The center is a one-stop shop where particularly poor and indigent patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are already 156 such centers nationwide.

Meanwhile, the senator also extended his support in the construction of 11 Super Health Centers in the city, which will be strategically located in areas where basic health services are not easily accessible.

The Super Health Center is an improved version of the rural health unit. It offers health services including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.

Through Go’s initiative and with the help of his fellow lawmakers, some 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 while 322 more centers are included in this year’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH.

Go also reaffirmed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proposal to create specialty centers outside Metro Manila. According to Go, the establishment of these centers is a practical solution to address the shortcomings in healthcare access across the country.

The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which was signed by Marcos, includes the establishment of specialty centers as a key item in its health-related legislative agenda.

Meanwhile, Go has also supported other projects in the city including the construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads; rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems, and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city; and the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for the SPMC and acquisition of ambulances.

Go then recognized the leadership and service of his fellow Davaoeño officials, particularly Vice President Sara Duterte, Congressman Paolo Duterte, and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, expressing his utmost support for their efforts in bringing government services closer to the people and promoting development in the region.

“Mga mahal kong kababayan dito sa Davao City, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, sa ating kapitbahay, ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” the senator concluded.