Families affected by the recent earthquake in Sultan Kudarat received assistance through an activity spearheaded by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

The turnover of relief goods assistance for earthquake victims was conducted in the Municipality of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, where Go’s team distributed essential items to 250 affected residents. The assistance included grocery packs, shirts, pens and sports equipment.

Local officials and partners at the activity included Mayor Bong Celestial, who assisted in facilitating the distribution to ensure the aid reached intended beneficiaries.

Go has consistently advocated for stronger disaster resilience measures in the country. He then proudly announced that the measure he principally authored and co-sponsored, Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, had been enacted to institutionalize the construction of proper evacuation centers nationwide.

“I would just like to share with you that I am the principal author and a co-sponsor of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of evacuation centers in every municipality and city so that those affected by disasters will have a comfortable place to stay. For example, in cases of fire, flooding, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions,” Go explained in a video message.

“You know, our fellow citizens do not have comfortable evacuation centers. Sometimes covered courts are used. Sometimes schools are used, which even disrupts the children’s schooling,” he pointed out.

As a staunch advocate of disaster resilience, Go also renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill 173, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). If enacted into law, the department would centralize and streamline the government’s efforts in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.