Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday, 23 January, visited Barangay 607 in Sta. Mesa, Manila, to personally check on families affected by a recent fire and assess conditions on the ground as residents begin rebuilding their lives.
Go said his visit focused on the immediate needs of 172 affected families while also looking at longer-term recovery measures. He inspected the fire-hit area and spoke with residents at the barangay covered court, listening to their concerns and identifying gaps in assistance.
Through his office, Go’s team distributed financial aid, grocery packs, snacks, water containers, shirts, vitamins and fruits, along with other essential items to help families meet urgent needs. Some residents also received a bicycle, a cellphone, a watch and new pairs of shoes.
“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit po, napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever. Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo kapwa Pilipino. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said, underscoring the importance of bayanihan during times of crisis.
During the visit, the senator was also seen buying from a local vendor selling turon, lumpiang toge and other snacks, as he encouraged continued support for small livelihoods affected by the fire.
Go acknowledged barangay officials who helped organize the activity and ensure orderly coordination. “Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa mga barangay officials: ‘Wag pabayaan ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he said. “Bukas dapat palagi ang inyong tanggapan tuwing may nangangailangan.”
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Diyos,” Go said.