Press Release
December 4, 2019

Government keen on hosting a successful SEA Games says Bong Go; aids victims in Quezon City

The government is keen on hosting a successful 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, said Senator Christopher "Lawrence" Bong Go on Thursday, November 28, during his visit to fire victims in Victory Avenue, Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City.

The senator said that he himself had talked to President Rodrigo Duterte who said that the successful conduct of the sporting event remains a top priority. The President is set to open the Games during the opening ceremony on Saturday, November 30, at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

"Nagkausap kami ni Pangulong Duterte kagabi. Sabi niya importante ay mapagpatuloy 'yung laro. Kung meron man aberya, ayusin na natin. Nandirito na tayo," Go said.

He added, "Ang Pangulo mismo ang magbubukas ng laro. We cannot afford to fail. Hindi tayo pwedeng mapahiya na tayo pa ang host. Mapapahiya tayo, mapapahiya ang buong bansa."

Urging all Filipinos to help and cooperate for a successful hosting, Go told that a probe on the alleged hosting snafus must happen after the Games.

"Magtulungan na tayo. Magkaisa na tayo sa ngayon. Mamaya na natin pag-usapan ang aberya o magiging aberya pa dito sa preparasyon," said Go.

The senator added that the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) is working double time to fix any mishaps in the country's hosting and in ensuring that no major glitches occur for the entire duration of the Games.

"In fairness to Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano na PHISGOC chair, they are working double time kung meron man pong gusot. May panahon sa pag-iimbestiga," Go said, adding that he himself as Senate Sports Committee chair is ready to investigate the reported troubles. Go added that the President is also ready to investigate the said mishaps.

"Ako mismo as Senate Sports Committee chair, kung maraming hindi masaya, handa akong mag-imbestiga. Even the President handang mag-imbestiga."

He then encouraged Filipinos to support their athletes for now and uphold the nation's bayanihan spirit.

"Sa ngayon, suportahan natin ang ating mga atleta. Ipakita natin ang bayanihan natin. Maraming volunteers ang nais tumulong."

Meanwhile, over 90 families received relief and financial assistance from Go during his visit to them. The families lost their homes and properties due to a fire incident that affected 40 houses.

"Nandito ako para magbigay ng konting ngiti sa panahon ng kanilang pagdadalamhati. Kasama na dito ang konting tulong, financial assistance, pagkain at 'yung mga estudyante na nasunugan, mabibigyan ng school supplies at uniporme," Go said.

Different government agencies also came with the senator to provide additional assistance to the families affected. Representatives of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Services Development Department (SSDD) immediately assessed the fire victims to identify their needs and provide appropriate assistance to them.

"Pinakiusapan ko din ang iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na tumulong. Tulung tulong lang po para makabangon sila sa kanilang dinanas," Go explained.

Go also encouraged the fire victims, particularly those injured or in need of medical services, to go to the nearest Malasakit Center and avail medical government assistance.

"Gusto kong masigurado ang inyong kalusugan kaya pumunta na kayo sa pinakamalapit na ospital na may Malasakit Center para makapag-request ng tulong mula sa gobyerno," Go said, adding that the Malasakit Center Act of 2019 has recently been passed both by the Senate and House of Representatives.

"Itong Malasakit Center, programa po ito ng gobyerno na sinimulan namin noong nakaraang taon at ngayon, hinihintay na lang natin ang paglagda ni Pangulong Duterte para maging batas ito at kahit sino man ang uupo sa administrasyon, hindi mawawala ang Malasakit Center," Go emphasized.

Before ending his visit, Go told the victims that he will continue to go around the country to personally listen to the concerns of his countrymen.

"Narito po ako para patuloy na tuparin ang aking pangako na susuungin ko ang bawat sulok o eskinita sa kahit saang parte ng bansa, matulungan ko lang kayo at marinig ang inyong hinanaing," Go said.

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