Bong Go confirms PRRD set to sign EO creating inter-agency task force to expedite rehab efforts in typhoon-hit areas, urges new task force to 'build back better'

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go confirmed on Monday, November 16, after leading the distribution of assistance to flood-hit residents in Marikina City, that President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign within the week the executive order establishing the inter-agency task force to start the rehabilitation of devastated areas affected by the recent series of typhoons.

The Senator then urged concerned agencies that will be part of the inter-agency task force to 'build back better' towards creating more disaster-resilient communities in the country.

"Filipinos are known for their resilience and we have always been proud of that. But it is the government's duty to ensure that communities are built to be more disaster-resilient to protect the lives of Filipinos," he emphasized.

Go said that while government efforts keep on improving in terms of disaster preparedness and response, there is a need to think long-term in order to mitigate and reduce risks in future disasters.

"Let us think long-term. Bukod sa rescue and response operations, importante na matutukan ng task force kung paano gawing mas disaster resilient ang mga komunidad na palaging tinatamaan ng sakuna," Go said.

"More than simply rebuilding, we should build back better. Kasi kung ibabalik lang natin ang nakagawian, mauulit rin lang ang problema kapag may panibagong kalamidad na darating," he added.

Aside from providing help, Go said that the creation of a task force is a step towards the right direction and must ensure that everything is synchronized, coordinated, and done well.

"I cannot stress this enough: Government must move as one to ensure that the delivery of assistance is timely, effective, and responsive," he said.

"Iisa ang gobyerno natin kaya dapat iisa ang galaw at direksyon natin patungo sa pagkakaroon ng mas matatag na mga komunidad," he added.

While he recognizes the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's crucial role in disaster preparedness and response, Go said that the council still needs help in implementing and monitoring post-disaster recovery.

"Dito papasok ang Task Force sa recovery and rehab. May klaro itong mandato at kapasidad upang maimplementa ang mga programa hanggang makabangon muli ang ating mga kababayan. Hindi ito titigil hanggang matapos ang trabaho," he explained.

He emphasized that President Duterte has been consistent in his top marching orders for all concerned agencies to immediately assist all affected Filipinos, utilize all available resources to restore normalcy as soon as possible, and mobilize the whole government for a holistic approach towards recovery and rehabilitation.

"I directed them to streamline (processes) para madali ang (to expedite) rehabilitation efforts affected by the typhoon," Duterte said during his recent address to the nation, adding that he gave agencies a timeline to take steps without delays and cut red tape to speed up the process in helping the people.

Go has also been appealing for the augmentation of calamity funds in LGUs severely affected by the recent calamities given that most of their resources have already been spent in response to the ongoing pandemic.

In his most recent interview in Marikina, Go said his appeal has been heeded by the Executive Department as the President had already initially approved the augmentation of the calamity funds for severely affected LGUs.

"Inaprubahan na rin ni Pangulong Duterte 'yung direktiba na inapela ko noong mga nakaraang linggo. Iyong ubos na ang calamity fund ng mga apektadong LGUs dahil sa pandemya," Go shared.

"Umapela po ako sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management) at kay Pangulong Duterte kung pwede maglaan ng kaunting pondo para magamit naman nila dahil depleted na po talaga ang calamity funds ng lahat ng LGUS na apektado ng bagyo. Magbibigay ng 1% of the IRA ang national government para makatulong kaagad sa mga tinamaan ng bagyo," he added.

During the same interview, Go has also expressed his grief over the death of some rescuers who lost their lives serving their countrymen.

"Nakikiramay ako sa mga rescuers natin, mga bayani po yan, nagsakripisyo po. Sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa, may taga-DPWH na nag-rescue, namatay. Nakakalungkot na may nag-buwis ng buhay," Go said.

"Kahit kami ni Pangulong Duterte, handa po kaming mamatay para sa aming kapwa Pilipino. Magseserbisyo po kami dahil mahal namin ang aming kapwa Pilipino," he added.