Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Tuesday, December 26, underscored his commitment to prioritize disaster preparedness and public health in his legislative agenda for the coming year.
In an interview with DZRH’s “Balansyado,” Go elaborated on various measures and bills he plans to pursue and promote, focusing on enhancing proactive measures in both disaster resilience and healthcare.
Highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness, Go spoke about Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2451 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. This legislation, which he co-sponsored and co-authored in the Senate, aims to establish evacuation centers in provinces and municipalities and provide a haven for people during natural disasters.
The bill, primarily sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, aims to establish permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers nationwide. Earlier, Go filed a previous version of the bill entitled the "Mandatory Evacuation Center Act," underscoring his enduring commitment to improving the country's disaster preparedness infrastructure.
“Ito po ngayon ang version nito sa Senado, itong Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act na kung saan po'y magkakaroon tayo ng mga evacuation center sa mga probinsiya at sa mga munisipyo dahil minsan kapag may disaster, nagagamit po yung mga eskwelahan, mga gym,” said Go.
“So dapat po'y malinis, maayos, kumportable ang mga kababayan natin para hindi magkasakit ang mga bata. Mayroon silang CR, may higaan silang kumportable for the meantime, habang hindi pa sila makabalik sa kanilang pamamahay. Sunog, baha, lindol, putok ng bulkan, kailangan po natin itong evacuation centers, kaya isinulong rin po natin ito,” he added.
Go also discussed the necessity of adapting to changing times through legislation like the E-Governance bill, designed to streamline government processes in the digital age.
"Bago na tayo ngayon, more on digital at online na ang ating mga transaksyon at pamumuhay. Dapat po'y maisabatas ito," he remarked, acknowledging the shift towards digital governance.
SBN 194 or the proposed “E-Governance Act” seeks to establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable information and resource-sharing and communications network spanning the entirety of the national and local government, an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services.
The bill also aims to enhance data privacy and security, as well as to provide for the establishment of an electronic payment system for government transactions.
In addition, Go’s E-Governance bill pushes for the digitization of paper-based and other traditional modes of workflows for a more efficient and transparent public service.
Additionally, he mentioned SBN 196, which seeks to establish a Virology Science and Technology Institute, aiming to boost the Philippines' capability to produce its own vaccines, a crucial step towards self-reliance in healthcare.
Go has also filed SBN 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control (CDC). If passed into law, the CDC will serve as the country's central hub for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Recognizing the pivotal role of barangay health workers (BHWs) during the pandemic, Go also spoke about SBN 427, which would require the provision of allowances and benefits for BHWs.
He referred to these frontline workers as the “heroes of the pandemic,” underlining the need for adequate support and compensation for their invaluable service to the community. If passed into law, Go’s proposed measure seeks to provide a monthly allowance to all BHWs.
They will also be entitled to benefits and privileges and security of tenure.
Go also filed SBN 197, known as the Magna Carta for Barangays, which recognizes the crucial role played by barangay officials in the delivery of governmental services.
The proposed legislation addresses the daily challenges faced by barangay officials who shoulder the responsibility of managing a broad spectrum of issues within their jurisdiction, ranging from fatalities and medical cases to conflicts and various concerns. Emphasizing their frontline position, especially in combating illicit drugs, criminal activities, and corruption, the bill acknowledges the current constraints on the benefits accessible to these officials.
Finally, one of the key proposals Go emphasized was the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). This proposed department, intended to be led by a cabinet secretary, would focus exclusively on preparing for and responding to natural disasters.
"Huwag nating antayin na dumating pa yung disaster sa buhay natin bago tayo mag-create ng department. Dapat po'y handa tayo," he asserted, stressing the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in disaster management.
SBN 188 proposes the establishment of the DDR. Explaining the envisioned role of the DDR, Go outlined its comprehensive responsibilities.
"So ibig sabihin ito na po'ng secretary na ito ang makikipag-coordinate bago dumating ang bagyo, preposition of goods, coordination with local government units para ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar," he said.
In July, the Office of Civil Defense voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR, emphasizing the importance of such an institution in improving operations in managing and responding to future crises.
