Go provides help to fire victims

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former special presidential assistant and 2019 senatorial candidate Christopher “Bong” Go assured the fire victims of Barangay Duljo-Fatima here last Sunday that they are not alone in facing the new year. 

“I am also Visayan. I was born in Davao but I feel close to Visayans. As I have said, wherever you are, as long as time and my body allows, I will go to see you,” Go said in Filipino, expressing affinity with his fellow Visayans.

Go visited Barangay Duljo-Fatima to convey sympathy to 610 families rendered homeless when at least 430 houses were destroyed by the blaze last Dec. 25.

According to Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Nagiel Bañacia, the fire started at 4:11 a.m. and was reportedly caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Go and his supporters distributed aid to the fire victims and listened to the concerns of the residents. 

The group distributed cash assistance, clothes, shoes, grocery items, food packs and meals (lunch and dinner provided by two known fast-food chains) to affected families.

Children were given school uniforms. Go also promised to provide additional cash assistance for their schooling and medical needs.

“We will help to the extent possible so you can recover,” Go said.

Go thanked his friends and supporters for sharing his advocacy and providing assistance to the victims.

He also appealed to government officials to extend additional assistance to enable the fire victims to rebuild their houses.

Go assured the residents that the process to help repair and rebuild their homes is already being discussed with the National Housing Authority (NHA). 

The NHA regional manager for Cebu would release Housing Materials Assistance (HoMA) to legitimate homeowners who lost their houses to the fire. 

Go, a member of the Metro Manila Film Festival jury, also gave away MMFF cinema tickets to residents. Gifts were given to birthday celebrants in Barangay Duljo-Fatima as well. 

Go said that even in his private capacity he will continue to help those who are in need and serve as their voice in raising their concerns to the President.