Spill victims get Kuya Bong’s help
On Thursday, 23 March, the Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stepped in to provide aid to residents affected by the oil spill in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.
Go and his team are scheduled to visit and provide aid to other affected municipalities in the coming days. In his message, Go expressed his deep concern for communities who are put at risk by the oil spill.
“My heart goes out to the residents of Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas who are facing the effects of this oil spill,” he said.
“Gagawin po natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang makatulong sa kanila (We will do everything possible to help them),” he added.
Earlier, Go urged concerned authorities to take necessary and immediate actions to address the oil spill incident caused by the capsizing of MT Princess Empress, stressing the immense damages it causes to affected communities.
Go also urged the ship owners to take full responsibility for the incident.
MT Princess Empress, which was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel, sank in the waters off the coast of Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro on 28 February.
Held at Barangay Zone 1 covered court and Barangay Wawa covered court, Go’s team distributed face masks and snacks to 500 residents. In addition, select beneficiaries were given a cellphone, shoes and balls for basketball.
Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development separately provided financial assistance to the affected residents.
Health impact
Amid the possible health impact of the oil spill, Go emphasized the importance of providing basic medical services to communities in need. It is for this reason that he supported the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide.
The Super Health Center is a healthcare facility that offers services including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit.
On Friday, 24 March, Go personally inspected the
Super Health
Center in Cordova,
Cebu, followed by a relief activity to assist struggling residents in the town.
The senator’s visit highlights his commitment to ensuring public service delivery, especially healthcare, to communities in need.
In line with his goal to strengthen support for healthcare workers, Senator Go expressed his commitment to all Filipino caregivers as he co-sponsored Senate Bill 2261, otherwise known as the Caregivers’ Welfare Act, on Wednesday, 22 March. The measure already passed on 3rd reading in the House of Representatives.
The proposed measure seeks to implement guidelines for the preparation and execution of employment contracts, the submission of pre-employment requirements, hours of work, minimum wage, payment of wages, leave benefits, other benefits, non-diminution of benefits, settlement of disputes.