Kidapawan quake victims get aid from Go

Wary of fake news in times of calamities, Go advised the public to rely on legitimate sources of information when sharing news on social media.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday distributed grocery packs and financial aid at the towns that were hit hardest by the subsequent 6.6- and 6.5-magnitude earthquakes that rocked North Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao.

Coming straight from Thailand after accompanying President Rodrigo Duterte for the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the senator first visited victims in Kidapawan City who are temporarily staying at the evacuation center in Brgy. Ilomavis before riding a motorcycle and proceeding to Makilala, North Cotabato to likewise provide various forms of assistance.

The senator – who was also accompanied by representatives from concerned government agencies to provide additional assistance to the disaster-stricken Filipinos — stressed that his office is always open to help them and listen to their concerns.

Private entities also sent their assistance through Go’s office.

Go also noted that he has coordinated with the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the rebuilding and repair of the houses of the victims and urged the agency to provide a long-term housing plan for victims of natural disasters.

He also encouraged the residents, especially those who are injured or in need of medical attention, to go to the nearest Malasakit Center so they can avail of government assistance for their healthcare needs.

There are existing Malasakit Centers in Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City; Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Cotabato Regional Medical Center in Cotabato City. Malasakit Centers in the provinces of South Cotabato and North Cotabato will be established soon.

In a 3 November report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), authorities said that at least 22 casualties have been confirmed from the disasters. Sixteen are from Cotabato, three in Davao del Sur, two in South Cotabato and one in Sultan Kudarat.

Wary of fake news in times of calamities, Go advised the public to rely on legitimate sources of information when sharing news on social media.