Caloocan fire victims get assistance from Go

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday distributed financial and relief assistance to victims of a fire that razed 16 houses on Gonzales Street, Barangay 69, Caloocan City, last November 7.

The 48 affected families, comprising 148 individuals, who were affected by the fire gathered at the evacuation center of their barangay to meet Go, who was also accompanied by representatives of concerned government agencies

to give additional assistance to the victims.

“Kahit saang sulok po ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko po kayo hanggang sa makakaya ko para magbigay ng tulong at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati (I will reach out to you, wherever you are, to bring assistance in time of need),” Go told the victims, explaining that he regularly visits victims of calamities to listen to their concerns and provide solutions to their daily struggles.

The government agencies present include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Go also pledged to provide uniforms and school supplies for the affected children and offered to pay for the fare of the victims who want to relocate to the provinces.

The senator, meanwhile, encouraged the residents to continue supporting the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“Meron po tayong mga rehabilitation center kung saan ninyo puwedeng dalhin ang inyong mga kapamilyang nalulong sa droga (We have rehabilitation center where you can have family members with drug problems),” he said, emphasizing that rehabilitation centers are operational nationwide for those who wish to reform themselves.

“Huwag niyo na rin pong subukan dahil kapag nakatikim kayo niyan, maging sunod-sunuran kayo, maaadik kayo (Just don’t try it because once you taste it, you will be addicted to it),” he advised the youth.

To strengthen the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, Go filed at the start of the 18th Congress a legislative measure that seeks to establish a drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center in every province.

Under Senate Bill No. 399, “Act Providing for the Establishment and Support of a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Every Province Throughout the Philippines and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” one drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation center shall be established in every province under the supervision of the Department of Health (DOH). If passed into law, the center will be tasked to provide care, treatment, and accommodation to persons found to be drug dependents.