The distribution was held at the Lapas Uno Covered Court in Cagayan de Oro City, benefiting 176 beneficiaries.
Through Go’s office, the beneficiaries received financial assistance, grocery packs, water containers, burgers, shirts, vitamins, pens, and balls. A raffle was also held, where selected beneficiaries received shoes and watches.
“Importante po sa akin na matulungan ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na iyong mga nawalan ng tahanan at ari-arian dahil sa sunog. Ang gamit ay maaaring mapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. Kaya ang una nating pinapahalagahan ay ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” Go said.
The activity was conducted with the support of local officials and community leaders, including City Councilor Girlie Balaba, Barangay Captain Julito Ogsimer, Barangay Kagawads Mark Anthony Bustamante, Shiva Mae Jandayan, and Aspirino Bacoma, as well as SK Chairman Mark Vincent Malacat.
The senator has consistently pushed for measures that aim to improve the country’s preparedness for fires and other disasters. He principally authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which seeks to strengthen the BFP through modern fire equipment, additional personnel, improved training, and better fire response capacity.
Go also principally authored and co-sponsored RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide.
The law seeks to provide safer and more dignified temporary shelters for families displaced by calamities while helping ensure access to basic needs, including sanitation, healthcare, and other essential services during emergencies.
Go has also filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a more focused agency for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation.
He likewise filed SBN 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Act, which aims to provide rental support to informal settler families and disaster victims, and SBN 669, or the proposed Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel Act, which seeks to grant hazard pay to personnel engaged in disaster response.
For Go, immediate relief must be matched by long-term measures that reduce risks, strengthen emergency response, and help communities recover faster.
“Kailangan nating palakasin ang paghahanda sa sakuna. Dapat may maayos na evacuation centers, sapat na kagamitan ang ating firefighters, at mabilis na tulong para sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan,” Go said.
He also reiterated that public service must continue to reach communities that need immediate assistance.
“Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.