Press Release - Prioritizing safety and disaster recovery, Bong Go's Malasakit Team aids more than half a thousand Typhoon Aghon victims in Lucban, Quezon

Following the previous support to typhoon victims in Lucena City, Senator Christopher "Bong'' Go's Malasakit Team again assisted more victims of Typhoon Aghon in Quezon province as he dispatched his Malasakit Team to Lucban on Monday, June 3.

Go's Malasakit Team offered assistance at the Barangay Ayuti covered court, where 600 typhoon victims were identified to receive grocery packs. There were also selected recipients of basketballs and volleyballs.

Go remains a strong advocate for enhancing disaster resilience. He is working towards better preparedness and response strategies for calamities and other crises. In his legislative efforts, he filed Senate Bill No. 188, which proposed the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The bill highlights the importance of having a focused and cohesive mechanism in government for disaster management.

Go added that the DDR, if enacted into law, should concentrate on three significant areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and better building progress.

"Isa pong departamentong ito na kung saka-sakali ay maisabatas, will be headed by a Cabinet secretary level para may authority at maayos ang koordinasyon sa ibang ahensya...hindi lang task force o coordinating council," explained Go in a video message.

Go also underlined Senate Bill No. 2451, known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers bill, primarily sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, which Go co-sponsored and is one of its authors. This proposed legislation aims to establish permanent and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.

"When disaster strikes, it is the poor who suffer. Kailangan natin magpatayo ng mga dedicated evacuation centers na may basic facilities at sapat na emergency supplies, gaya ng tubig, gamot at relief goods, para hindi na sila nagsisiksikan sa mga covered courts o paaralan," said Go.

As an adopted son of CALABARZON region, Go then expressed his appreciation to the local government of Lucban, headed by Mayor Agustin Villaverde, Vice Mayor Arnel Abcede, and the rest of the town council. Former Lucban Mayor Oli Dator also assisted in the relief activities as well as the provincial government led