On Monday, February 9, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team extended assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang in Iligan City.
Tropical Storm Basyang entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility in early February and affected several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, bringing persistent rains that led to flooding, landslides, and forced evacuations in vulnerable communities.
In coordination with Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao, the team distributed food packs, shirts, pens, fans, and balls to affected residents, providing immediate relief to families displaced and impacted by flooding and strong rains brought by the typhoon.
As part of the visit, Senator Go’s team also personally extended assistance to the families of casualties Cleford Dandasan and Jean Viajante, expressing sympathy and support during their time of mourning.
“Noon pa man, sinabi ko na kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, basta kaya ng aking katawan at panahon, sunog, putok ng bulkan, lindol, bagyo, pupuntahan po namin kayo upang makatulong sa abot ng aming makakaya at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” Go said.
Beyond immediate relief efforts, Senator Go stressed the importance of long-term disaster preparedness. In line with this, Go renewed his call for the construction of permanent, safe, and fully equipped evacuation centers in all municipalities and cities, as mandated by Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
“Napakalungkot pong makita ang ating mga kababayan na nagsisiksikan sa hindi angkop na lugar, gaya ng eskuwelahan na natitigil ang mga klase ng bata o sa covered courts na wala naman sapat na sanitation,” Go explained.
Senator Go likewise emphasized the crucial role of frontliners and emergency responders, who remain at the forefront of rescue, relief, and recovery operations despite risks to their own safety. He is pushing for his filed Senate Bill No. 669, which seeks to grant hazard pay to qualified responders directly involved in disaster and emergency operations, particularly those exposed to high-risk situations.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”
