DAVAO CITY — Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go provided financial assistance and grocery packs on Friday, September 13, to the 141 families that were affected by a fire that broke out on August 30 in Purok Kahayag, Barangay Dumagoc, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The victims, who were gathered at the barangay gymnasium, also received assistance from representatives of various government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and National Housing Authority (NHA).
Go told the crowd that he regularly goes around the country to visit victims of fire as long as his time and health permit.
“Akong ginatuyok karon ang mga nasunugan. Basta kaya lang sa akoang panahon ug lawas, adtoan ta mo maski asa mo sa Pilipinas,” the Senator said.
He also informed the victims that they can now ask for medical financial assistance at the newly opened Malasakit Center in the city.
“Naa na diha ang upat ka ahensiya sa gobyerno (Four agencies of the government are there),” he said, referring to PhilHealth, DSWD, the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippince Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Go added that the Center has express lanes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The Senator earlier attended the opening of the Center, which is located at the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Barangay Dao of the city.
“Inyo na kwarta, ginabalik lang namo sa inyoha (It’s your money, we are only returning it to you),” he said.
He also asked the local officials who were present to take care of the needs of the victims until they are able to go home. “Hangyo nako sa inyoha, ayaw ninyo sila pabayai hangtod makauli sila sa ilahang balay,” he said.
Actors Philip Salvador and Robin Padilla later joined Go to entertain the crowd.
The team proceeded to the Provincial Government Center in Barangay Dao for an event for barangay officials in celebration of Zamboanga del Sur’s 67th founding anniversary.-PR