Senator Christopher Bong Go extended his condolences and assistance to the families of the two victims killed in the July 10 landslide in Sitio Fandao, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, while renewing his call for stronger disaster preparedness and the immediate establishment of permanent evacuation centers across the country.
On Monday, Gos office delivered assistance to the bereaved Maladian and Yaton families. Each family received financial assistance, wreaths, grocery packs, and other forms of support from the senators office.
Go stressed that communities vulnerable to natural disasters deserve safer places to evacuate before tragedy strikes.
Kailangan nating tiyakin na may ligtas at maayos na mapupuntahan ang ating mga kababayan kapag may sakuna. Dapat handa ang mga komunidad at may sapat na pasilidad para maprotektahan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino, Go said.
The senator emphasized that beyond providing immediate relief, the government must invest in long-term disaster resilience.
He cited Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
The law mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide to provide safe temporary shelter and access to essential services during emergencies.
Go also reiterated his call for the full implementation of the law to ensure that communities are prepared before disasters occur.
The senator also renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a dedicated government agency that will unify disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts under a single institution.
According to Go, a centralized disaster management system would improve coordination among government agencies, speed up the delivery of assistance, and strengthen accountability during emergencies.
He likewise highlighted Senate Bill No. 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, which aims to provide temporary rental assistance to informal settler families and disaster victims while they rebuild their homes or transition to permanent housing.
Go underscored that disaster preparedness should remain focused on protecting lives and ensuring that affected families receive immediate and practical support when calamities strike.
