Mayon Volcano

As the state of restiveness of Mayon Volcano in Albay continues, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally provided relief to affected communities, including families located in Malilipot town, last Thursday, June 22. On the same day, Go also visited Tabaco City to provide assistance to more evacuees and indigents. He also conducted an inspection of the Tabaco City Super Health Center which is located in a resettlement area for typhoon victims that was initiated during the previous Duterte administration. In addition to the assistance, the senator from Davao reassured that he would continue to push for a more comprehensive approach to disaster response and management. He cited Senate Bill (SB) No.193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of permanent, safe and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. In his continued efforts to fortify the country's disaster response capabilities, Senator Go has also been at the forefront of advocating for the establishment of a Department of Disaster Resilience. The proposed department would serve as the central authority responsible for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery. It would coordinate efforts between different agencies, streamline disaster-related policies, and ensure the efficient allocation of resources during crises. Go highlighted that if SB No.188 is enacted, the Cabinet secretary-level department shall concentrate on three significant areas, such as disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. During the relief effort held at the Malilipot Central School, Senator Go was accompanied by Malilipot Mayor Cenon Volante and other key officials. In his speech, Go recognized the efforts of Congressman Edcel Lagman, Governor Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman, and Vice Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao, for looking out for their constituents. He was also joined by Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Vice Mayor Nestor San Pablo, Board Members Victor Ziga Jr., Rey Bragais, Dante Arandia and other officials during his visit to Albay that day. In Malilipot, Go and his team assisted 221 affected households by distributing grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks. The senator also provided select beneficiaries with shirts, cellular phones, shoes, watches, bicycles, and balls for basketball and volleyball.