Senator Urges a Relief-First Approach for Disaster Victims
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go is calling on the national government to reorient its spending toward those most affected by natural disasters. He argues that public funds should prioritize calamity victims over ghost projects and questionable flood-control programs that he says have been milked by a few.
Speaking in Davao City, Go cited his personal experience during a recent earthquake in Davao Oriental, which struck on Oct. 10 while he was attending the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental. He described how the tremor rattled the venue but did not deter the relief effort he and his team continued to provide to residents in need.
“While we were serving our fellow Filipinos in Davao Occidental, the ground suddenly shook. But despite the fear, our hearts remained ready to help all those affected,” Go said. He immediately went to nearby quake-affected areas to assess damage and distribute relief goods, offering condolences to families who lost loved ones.
Extending Relief Across Affected Regions
Go emphasized that the Malasakit program, which consolidates medical and social services, has been active in ongoing relief operations for earthquake victims in Cebu and in communities hit by Typhoons Nando and Opong in Masbate and parts of Luzon. He framed relief as a continuum—one that does not end with a single event but extends to recovery and rebuilding efforts in the months and years after a disaster.
“Public funds should go to those who truly need them — the victims of earthquakes, typhoons, and other calamities — not into the pockets of the greedy,” he asserted, directing his call to authorities who oversee public spending and program implementation. His message underscores the belief that governance should be both compassionate and fiscally prudent, especially when the country remains exposed to recurring hazards.
Prioritizing Infrastructure and Livelihood in Disaster Zones
Beyond relief, Go advocated for targeted investments in infrastructure and livelihood programs designed to withstand future calamities. He argued that well-planned projects—such as resilient housing, climate-adaptive infrastructure, and accessible healthcare facilities—can reduce vulnerability and accelerate recovery for affected communities.
Central to his vision are the nationwide expansion of Super Health Centers and Malasakit Centers
Go has long championed these facilities as a means to deliver accessible healthcare at the community level. Super Health Centers are intended to provide comprehensive primary care and emergency services in underserved areas, while Malasakit Centers streamline the process of obtaining medical and social services for needy Filipinos. He argues that such facilities are essential shortcuts to relief, reintegration, and resilience for populations hit by natural disasters.
Continuity of Compassion and Accountability
Reflecting on the broader disaster response landscape, Go stressed the importance of consistency in compassionate governance. He urged authorities not to forget victims of past disasters who may still be in recovery, noting that sustainable relief requires ongoing support, monitoring, and accountability.
As the country contends with climate-related threats, the senator’s call for prioritizing calamity victims aligns with a broader public demand for transparent, needs-based spending. Critics may push for clearer audits of funds and programs, while supporters argue that a more needs-driven approach would reduce waste and improve outcomes for affected communities.
What This Means for Filipino Communities
For residents living in disaster-prone and underserved areas, the proposed shift in funding priorities could translate into faster relief, safer housing, and more accessible healthcare. The emphasis on Malasakit and Super Health Centers suggests a long-term strategy that integrates medical care with social services, potentially reducing the time and friction involved in receiving assistance during emergencies.
In the end, the debate centers on how best to balance immediate relief with long-term resilience. Go’s position advocates for a governance model in which compassion is paired with accountability, ensuring that resources reach those who truly need them and that relief becomes a durable part of the country’s rebuilding effort.
