Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to assisting Filipinos affected by calamities and crises as his Malasakit Team distributed relief to residents in Tondo, Manila last Wednesday.

This effort comes as tropical storms “Crising” and “Dante,” and typhoon “Emong” continue to impact various communities across the country.

Go’s Malasakit Team provided grocery packs, shirts, volleyballs, and basketballs to 300 families from Barangays 187, 196, and 197 during a relief operation held at the Matang Tubig Court in Barangay 196, Zone 17.

“From the start, it has been my promise that wherever you are in the Philippines, as long as my body and time allow — be it fire, volcanic eruption, earthquake, or typhoon — we will go to you,” Go said in a video message. “To help to the best of our ability, to provide solutions to problems, to leave a small smile during your time of grief.”

During the event, Go also acknowledged the efforts of local leaders, including Barangay 187 Captain Jojie Marcelo, Barangay 196 Captain Rolando delos Reyes and kagawad Rhea Lopez, and Barangay 197 Captain Arvin Enriquez, for their continued support in reaching their constituents.

“I will continue to deliver the service that is due to you to the best of my ability because that is my passion, to serve,” he added.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Senator Go encouraged residents with health concerns to seek assistance from nearby Malasakit Centers, particularly those located at Tondo Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center and San Lazaro Hospital.

Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops where impoverished patients can conveniently access various government medical assistance programs. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized this initiative. Today, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, having assisted over 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health.

Looking ahead, Go continues to push for stronger disaster preparedness measures. He underscored the importance of Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. He is the principal author and co-sponsor of the law, which mandates the creation of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the country.