Kuya Bong provides housing kits, essentials to quake-hit San Isidro residents

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided assistance this week to families in Davao Oriental recovering from recent earthquakes, while renewing his call for the creation of a specialized government department for disaster resilience.

Go’s team distributed grocery packs, vitamins and essential supplies to 30 residents at the Barangay Cambaleon Covered Court in San Isidro on Wednesday. A separate distribution was held Friday at the motorpool in Governor Generoso, where 20 affected residents received similar aid along with housing materials and shelter repair kits.

Local officials, including San Isidro Vice Mayor Sherlyn Casana and Governor Generoso Mayor Kulot Inojales, participated in the relief activities.

In a video message to the beneficiaries, Go highlighted the recent enactment of Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a measure he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law institutionalizes the construction of permanent, fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality.

“Sometimes covered courts or schools are used as evacuation centers, which disrupts the education of our children,” Go said in Filipino. “We need comfortable facilities for those affected by fires, floods, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.”

Go also used the mission to advocate for Senate Bill 173, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience. The proposed department would centralize the government’s efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, which are currently spread across multiple agencies.

“Every life is valuable,” Go said. “That is why every aspect of disaster management — from rescue and relief to recovery and rehabilitation — must be properly planned and organized.”