Press Release - Bong Go advocates for dental health for the poor as he helps Cebu city fire victim get proper dental care

Few months following a tragic incident in a Cebu City locality, the relief efforts led by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go still resonate deeply within the community. On January 18, a severe fire in Barangay Quiot Pardo disrupted the lives of residents, affecting house owners, renters, sharers, and a lodger. There were no fatalities, and the community found a haven at Quiot Elementary School.

On January 21, Go's team swiftly provided immediate aid to address essential needs, setting a foundation for recovery. The Senator's unique approach to disaster relief, coupled with his enduring commitment to holistic recovery, was felt by the affected residents.

Reflecting on the events, Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, recalls, "Agad-agad tayong rumesponde upang matiyak na walang magugutom at walang mapapabayaan habang sila'y nasa proseso ng pagbangon."

Beyond this immediate relief, Go's response highlighted an often-ignored aspect of disaster recovery: the importance of dental health.

During the relief activity shortly after the disaster, the plea for dental care was unexpectedly brought to light by Alena Cereño, a 57-year-old long-term resident of Quiot, who lost her dentures in the chaos of the fire which affected 35 families. Several others in her community supported her brave request during Go's visit, spotlighting a common but underreported need.

Go quickly mobilized resources to provide necessary dental care, ensuring that those like Alena did not just receive temporary aid but were supported through their journey to full recovery. This included repeated dental clinic visits for check-ups, tooth extractions, and denture fittings, complemented by transportation and meals for each visit shouldered by Go himself.

Go reiterated the importance of a recovery that leaves no one behind, stating, "Walang dapat maiwan sa muling pagbangon. Kailangan kasama sa ating pagtulong ang pangangalaga sa lahat ng aspeto ng kalusugan, kabilang na ang kalusugan ng ngipin."

Months later, the impact of this initiative continues to be a testament to Go's vision for a recovery that caters to disaster victims' physical and emotional well-being.

Dental health was brought to the