Press Release - Bong Go supports local infrastructure development as he inspects various projects in Kapalong, Davao del Norte

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, reaffirmed his commitment to local infrastructure development as he witnessed the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in Kapalong, Davao del Norte on Tuesday, October 24. The said project was funded through the support of Go.

During times of calamities and disasters, the structure will function as the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), facilitating rapid response and coordination among various agencies. In normal conditions, it will house the Office of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center, ensuring that the community remains prepared for any potential risk.

"Napakahalaga ng proyektong ito, lalo na sa panahon ng mga krisis at sakuna. Ang EOC na ito ay magiging sentro ng inyong mga operasyon, kung saan kayo ay magkakaroon ng magandang koordinasyon at pagtutulungan sa mga oras ng pangangailangan. Ito ay isang bahagi ng ating paghahanda para sa kaligtasan at kaginhawaan ng ating mga mamamayan," expressed Go in his speech.

Several local officials were also present during the event, including Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez, Governor Edwin Jubahib, Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol, and Vice Mayor Edgardo Timbol, among others.

Meanwhile, Go briefly visited another multipurpose building, which he also supported the funding of. The said infrastructure, also known as the Balay ni Maria, was finished last 2020 and was mostly used as an isolation facility during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go then highlighted his commitment to disaster preparedness and community resilience as he reiterated his push for the passage of his filed measure, Senate Bill No. (SBN) 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The proposed measure aims to create a new Cabinet-level department that would focus on holistic approaches to enhance disaster resilience.

He added that the DDR shall concentrate on three significant areas such as disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

"We need to be better equipped and prepared to face these challenges. That is why I am urging my fellow