Bong Go visits Las Piñas fire victims, suggests to "build new cities" as a way to decongest Metro Manila

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go continued his visit to fire victims in Metro Manila on October 11. From Sta. Ana, Manila, Go rushed right away to Barangay CAA of Las Piñas City to provide assistance to another set of fire victims.

Go brought with him grocery packs, food and cash assistance that were distributed to the residents of Maunlad St. Phase 4 and Mabuhay St. Phase 3 who were affected by the fire incident that razed their houses on October 10.

"Kanina, galing ako sa Sta. Ana, Manila, mayroon din nasunugan doon," Go told the fire victims in his short message, "Pasensya na kayo, medyo natagalan ako dahil ang dami po nilang kailangan."

The Senator also told the students who were affected by the incident that he will provide uniforms and school supplies so they could go to back to school immediately.

"Importante sa akin na walang masaktan. Itong mga gamit natin, alam ko, mahirap masunugan, pero tatandaan niyo parati, ang gamit mabibili yan," Go said as he comforts the fire victims. He emphasized that being alive is more important and that he will continue to extend help to everyone.

Go also encouraged those who came from the provinces to go back home and that he is willing to pay for their one-way fare. He said, "Kung gusto niyo umuwi ng probinsya, ako na mamasahe sa iyo. One way lang," pointing out that the population in Manila is already getting out of proportion and that life in the province is more sustainable for living.

For those who needed medical assistance, Go told fire victims that he is willing to cover expenses for those who need specialists in certain diseases or cases.

"Kailangan niyo ng espesyalista, magsabi lang kayo, ako na po ang magpapagamot sa inyo hanggang sa makabalik kayo dito," Go said highlighting that Malasakit Centers are also already available in many areas in Metro Manila and that he will continue the expansion of the program through his Malasakit Center Act of 2019 bill.

"Aside sa dala kong tulong, pinakiusapan ko rin ang mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno," Go said.

Representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were present to extend additional assistance to the survivors.

"'Yung DSWD, may dalang cash assistance. Ang NHA, idadaan lang sa proseso, may matatanggap din kayong cash assistance sa kanila. Magbibigay din po ang PAGCOR, magbibigay rin po ang PCSO, PCUP at DOH. Ang DTI, may livelihood assistance," Go said. "Lahat kayo, makakatanggap nito (ng assistance).

The number of families affected by the fire incident is 41 and totalled to 191 individuals. They are temporarily situated at Phase 4 Covered Court of Barangay CAA as evacuation center.

Meanwhile, Go also answered some queries of the media regarding the issues surrounding the worsening traffic in Metro Manila.

"Alam niyo matagal na po ang traffic sa Manila, kahit anong gawing challenge ni Panelo hindi po maso-solve 'yan," Go said pertaining to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo who just recently took the commute challenge.

Go told the members of the press that it is now time to build another city that can be at par with Metro Manila's economic and social progress to decongest the captial.

"Napakahirap i-solve ang traffic ng Manila, kaya po, panahon na siguro na magkaroon na tayo ng bagong siyudad, labas tayo ng Metro Manila, sa Clark," he explains adding examples such as the New Clark City, Batangas and Davao where industries can invest, Filipinos can thrive and more importantly, where space for expansions are available.

"Ngayon may New Clark City, siguro sa Batangas. Kahit sa Davao din po gumawa tayo ng bagong siyudad, doon na lang po natin ilagay para malalapad pa po ang mga kalye, eh dito wala na pong lugar, no space for expansion dito," Go lamented.

The Senator clarified, however, that the government does not rest on these options. Go emphasized that the government continues to realize the plans for Metro Manila, such as those indicated in the 'Build, Build, Build' program.

"Meron naman pong ginagawa ang gobyerno. Itong 'Build, Build, Build' natin, yung mga skyway natin, infrastructure and then gumagawa tayo ng mga new cities like Clark. Maybe diyan sa Batangas, Laguna, at Quezon, lagyan natin mga bagong siyudad yan. Marami naman tayong mga proyekto," said Go.

"New Airport, meron nga yatang gagawin sa Bulacan so kung may airport doon made-decongest na po not only the air traffic, pati yung mga pasahero na pupunta dito sa NAIA, pupunta na sa Bulacan. Maybe mag-i-improve po. Pero solve? Sabi ko nga, Superman lang po makaka-solve niyan," he added.