Bong Go boosts spirits of Cebu City fire victims; says fight to stop illegal drugs must continue

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go took time on Friday, October 25, to extend relief assistance and boost the morale of residents whose houses were razed down by a fire at 285 P. Del Rosario Ext., Sitio Amor, Brgy. Sambag 1, Cebu City.

Still reeling from their recent ordeal which affected 135 families and partially damaged 32 houses, the senator provided grocery packs and financial assistance to the victims.

But aside from extending assistance, Go said that it is important for him to listen to their concerns personally and provide solutions to their daily struggles.

"Pitong araw naman sa isang linggo, apat na araw sa senado, sa mga ganitong araw po na pwede akong magpahinga, hindi na po ako magpapahinga, ilalaan ko na lang po sa mga tao," he said. "Kawawa naman po sila. Gusto kong mabigyan (ng) agarang tugon ang kanilang mga problema."

Apart from the relief assistance provided by him and other donors, Go said that he also will provide school supplies and uniforms for the affected children so that they can immediately return to school.

As for the families who lost their homes and are currently staying at Sitio Tangkungan's Barangay Gym, the senator said that he has already coordinated with the National Housing Authority (NHA) regarding their relocation sites. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also set to provide livelihood assistance to eligible recipients.

"Nakausap ko ang NHA kung may maibibigay ba silang relocation site. Magbibigay din po ng tulong sa inyo ang ibang mga ahensya ng gobyerno, gaya ng DTI na tutulong sa mabigyan kayo ng pangkabuhayan," he said.

Go also urged the residents, especially those who were injured or suffering from medical conditions, to visit the nearest Malasakit Center so they can avail medical assistance from government agencies. "Pera po ninyo iyan," Go emphasized. "Ibinabalik lamang po sa inyo."

In an ambush interview following the visit, Go encouraged the youth to study hard after his son, Christian Lawrence Go, placed third in the October 2019 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Exams.

"As a father, I am very proud of my son. Dalawang buwan kami halos hindi nag-usap dahil nag-aaral siya. Masaya ako para sa kanya at hangad ko na maging successful siya. Sa mga kabataan, mag-aral kayong mabuti. Iyan lamang ang masusukli ninyo sa sakripisyo ng inyong mga magulang. Gamitin niyo rin ang inyong natutunan sa pagserbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino," Go advised.

Go also answered questions on President Rodrigo Duterte's health status, saying that he was advised to take a rest in the coming days.

"Sa awa ng Diyos, ok naman ang ating Pangulo. He was advised to take a rest in the next few days. Nasa Davao na siya ngayon. Kailangan magpahinga. Bagama't sinabihan na magpahinga, nagtrabaho pa rin siya kahapon because he has diplomatic duties. He welcomed Vice Premier of China to Malacañang," Go said, adding that the President will continue his recuperation after attending the upcoming 35th ASEAN Summit in Thailand from November 2 to 4.

As for the calls of some opposition officials to stop the war on drugs, Go asserted that the fight must continue.

"82% sa mga Pilipino ang nagsasabi at sumasang-ayon sa drug war ng gobyerno. Ibig sabihin, kuntento ang walo sa bawat sampung Pilipino. Magtanong na lang kayo sa taong bayan kung talaga bang mas safe at ligtas sila ngayon kumpara noon. Kaya ako, I support the war on drugs. Up to the last day of the President's term, magpapatuloy ang kampanya natin laban sa iligal na droga, kriminalidad at korupsyon," the senator said.