Bong Go assists Cebu City fire victims
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday visited and provided assistance to victims of a fire incident in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City at the Apya Basketball Court.
The senator distributed grocery packs and cash assistance to 128 families affected by the fire, which razed 51 houses and injured two residents. No casualties were reported during the incident.
During his visit, the victims also received additional assistance from representatives of various government agencies, such as the Department of Health (DoH), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Concerned about the welfare of the students who lost their uniforms and school supplies because of the fire, Go said he would provide them new ones so they could immediately go back to school.
The senator also offered help to those who were injured or suffering from medical conditions.
He also urged them to go to the nearest Malasakit Center, where they could avail medical assistance from various government agencies.
In an interview right after the visit, Go said he seeks to institutionalize the Malasakit Centers so that it can assist more Filipinos nationwide.
“It is important to institutionalize the Malasakit Center to make all DoH-run hospitals will have Malasakit Centers. It is important to have social workers and personnel to help our countrymen. Once the system is perfected, we will know if there is a need for the government to provide additional budget,” said Go.
He explained the Malasakit Centers can also be established in other hospitals so long as they comply with certain set criteria to assure the centers will be operational and sustainable.
Go said Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops where representatives of concerned government agencies are gathered under one roof to provide medical related assistance to those in need.
In July, Go filed Senate Bill 199 or the Malasakit Center Act of 2019, which seeks to establish Malasakit Centers in hospitals in every province in the country.
Meanwhile, Go also said he has already coordinated with the NHA regarding the relocation sites for the victims of fire, and other government agencies that can provide livelihood assistance to the victims.