Bong Go backs shelter repair for quake-hit families in Davao Oriental

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended assistance to families affected by recent earthquakes in Davao Oriental through two separate relief and shelter support activities aimed at helping communities begin repairing damaged homes.

On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, Go’s team distributed grocery packs, pens, vitamins and other essential items to 30 affected residents of Barangay Cambaleon in San Isidro, Davao Oriental. The activity was held at the Barangay Cambaleon Covered Court to help address the beneficiaries’ immediate daily needs.

Local officials present during the distribution included Vice Mayor Sherlyn Casana, Councilor Sayki Buenaflor and Barangay Cambaleon Captain Randy Brandino.

A similar assistance activity was conducted on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the motorpool in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Twenty earthquake-affected residents received grocery packs, essential supplies, as well as housing materials and shelter repair kits from the Office of Senator Bong Go.

Officials who participated in the second activity included Mayor Kulot Inojales, Shiela Jane Silverio of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Majylendy Casamayor of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Go reiterated his push for stronger disaster resilience measures, citing the enactment of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law institutionalizes the construction of evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide.

"Gusto ko lang pong ibalita sa inyo na ako po ay principal author na nagsulong at co-sponsor ng Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act na magtatayo ng evacuation center sa bawat munisipyo at bawat siyudad para meron pong komportableng matutuluyan ang apektado ng sakuna. Halimbawa, ‘pag may sunog, ‘pag may baha, ‘pag may lindol, ‘pag pumutok ang bulkan,” Go said in a video message.

"Alam n’yo, wala pong komportableng evacuation center ang ating mga kababayan. Minsan, nagagamit ‘yung mga covered court. Minsan, nagagamit ‘yung mga eskwelahan. Nagagambala pa ‘yung pag-aaral ng mga bata," he added.

The senator also renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 173, which seeks to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience to centralize and streamline government efforts in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

“Ang bawat buhay ay mahalaga. Kaya’t dapat lahat ng aspeto ng disaster management — mula sa rescue, relief, hanggang sa recovery at rehabilitation — ay maayos na napaplanuhan at naisasaayos,” Go said.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo para sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Naniniwala ako na ang tunay na serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” he added.