Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, through his Malasakit Team, extended assistance to families affected by Super Typhoon Uwan on Wednesday, Nov. 12 in Hermosa, Bataan.
Super Typhoon Uwan made its landfall in Aurora on November 9, before weakening into a typhoon the following day. Although it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 11, the storm left behind significant damage across several regions and claimed at least 25 lives.
Senator Go has long called for the swift and proper implementation of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality in the country.
Go, the principal author and co-sponsor of the measure, emphasized the importance of having fully equipped facilities to safeguard vulnerable communities during calamities.
The senator also renewed his call for the passage of his filed Senate Bill No. 173, which seeks to create a Department of Disaster Resilience. The proposed agency aims to centralize and strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for more efficient coordination during emergencies.
“Sa mga nasalanta, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. Sabi ko nga sa inyo noon, ang gamit ay nabibili, ang pera ay kikitain, subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay,” Go said in his message to affected residents.
During the relief operation held at the Hermosa Evacuation Center, the Malasakit Team distributed aid to 350 beneficiaries in coordination with Mayor Anne Lorraine Inton and Vice Mayor Patrick Rellosa.
Senator Go reiterated the importance of proactive disaster management, stressing that resilience begins with planning rather than reaction.
“Maging proactive po tayo. Magtulungan po tayo dahil ang pinaka-apektado sa ganitong mga sakuna ay ‘yung mga pinakamahihirap nating mga kababayan,” he appealed. (Mabuhay News Online)
