Held near the chapel grounds, Go’s Malasakit Team engaged with 24 fire-hit families, listening to their concerns and ensuring they felt the senator’s compassion. They distributed assistance which included financial aid for each beneficiary, grocery packs, water containers, basic essentials, shirts, snacks, vitamins, as well as basketballs and volleyballs.
“‘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,’” he said, emphasizing the importance of bayanihan spirit in times of adversity.
The senator also recognized the barangay officials who assisted in organizing the activity. “Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa mga barangay officials: ‘Wag pabayaan ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he reminded. “Bukas dapat palagi ang inyong tanggapan tuwing may nangangailangan.”
Barangay Captain James J. Abadilla worked with Kagawads Danilo P. Apuya Sr., Nelo P. Dagatan, Miguel A. Awing, Gemma P. Icoy, Guinevere P. Reponte-Tuto, Josephine P. Medel-Robertson, and Geofrey D. Tumala, together with SK Chairman Crystal C. Mayola, to ensure the successful distribution.
Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to addressing housing challenges especially in crisis-hit communities. He filed Senate Bill No. 415, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for fire victims and other affected families. If enacted, the measure will provide temporary shelter assistance while they transition to permanent housing.
Go also highlighted the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored, strengthening the capabilities of fire personnel to respond more effectively to fire emergencies.
He further pointed to Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he also principally authored and co-sponsored, mandating the establishment of safe and fire-resilient evacuation centers in every municipality and city nationwide.
“‘Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,’” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
On the same day, Go’s Malasakit Team also extended assistance to another group of families affected by the fire incident that occurred on August 25.