Go commits to help crises-hit communities

SEN. Bong Go has pledged to aid communities in crises, reiterating the need to pass the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). He raised the importance of improving the country's disaster response and resilience as he extended assistance on Friday to about 1,000 fire victims in Bacoor City, Cavite. Go assured them they were not alone in their struggle as he handed out food packs, water containers, meals, vitamins, face masks and shirts. Select recipients also received basketballs, volleyballs, shoes, mobile phones, bicycles and a watch. "I know what you were going through because of the fire. Do not lose hope. It is important that we will recover together," Go said in Filipino. "A lost life is a lost life forever. Let us protect ourselves and promote each other's welfare," he said. Go reiterated his call for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 188, which seeks to establish the DDR. The proposed DDR aims to streamline efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to ensure a more coordinated approach to crises. "We must continue to improve mechanisms — from coordination among agencies and LGUs (local government units), the preposition of goods for relief, evacuation, rescue efforts, and up to rebuilding, recovery and restoration of normalcy — to further protect lives," Go said. He said that through the DDR, efficient resource management could reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities. Go also pushed for the passage of SB 2451 or the proposed Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he co-authored. SB 2451 aims to establish permanent and fully equipped mandatory evacuation centers nationwide to provide safer temporary shelter for evacuees.