Sen. Bong Go has reaffirmed his commitment to assist more Filipinos who have been affected by the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in the country, while also reiterating his call for proactive measures to combat natural disasters.
"Magtulungan lang tayo. Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung hindi tayo lang po kapwa nating Pilipino," said Go during an ambush interview after he personally aided typhoon victims in Kawit and Bacoor City, Cavite on Friday, 4 November.
"At huwag po silang mawalan ng pag-asa. Sabi ko kanina, ang gamit po ay nabibili, ang mga damit natin nadudumihan po, nababaha pero pwede nating labahan 'yan. Pero ang buhay po na nawala ay wala na po. A lost life is a life lost forever," he added.
Go emphasized the need to help victims recover from the recent disaster, prompting him to visit communities severely affected in an effort to alleviate their burdens and resolve their problems.
"Alam n'yo bilang miyembro po ng Senado, ako po ay hindi magsasawang manawagan na isulong ito pong priority bill ko noon pa sa 18th Congress hanggang ngayon sa 19th Congress, ito pong Department of Disaster Resilience," assured Go.
"Ito pong isang departamento na cabinet-secretary level. Or kung hindi man po departamento, i-empower natin ang NDRRMC para may tumugon kaagad bago pa dumating ang bagyo, mayroon na hong coordination with the local government units. Mabilis ang koordinasyon, preposition of goods kaagad," he added.
The DDR will bring together all essential disaster-related functions and mandates currently scattered among various agencies.
During the interview, Go also reaffirmed his support for proposals to increase the calamity fund in light of recent disasters that have struck the country.
"Sang-ayon po ako na i-increase po ang calamity fund… pero it doesn't mean na doon kukunin sa confidential o sa intelligence fund," said Go.
The senator however emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the calamity fund is utilized promptly and appropriately. According to Go, this is where the DDR can play a crucial role because, if it is established, it will be accountable for the billions of pesos in calamity funds.
"Kaya nga po sana maaprubahan din ang Department of Disaster Resilience. Isipin n'yo bilyun-bilyon ang hahawakan na calamity fund. Dapat isang departamento po ang may hawak nito at maging accountable dito sa paghawak ng pondo. Hindi lang po coordinating council ang maghahawak ng pondo," said Go.