SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go stressed the need for local authorities to enhance disaster safety and preparedness awareness as his Malasakit Team attended to the needs of fire victims in Parañaque City on Thursday, April 18.
To mitigate the occurrence of and lessen the severity of damages due to fire-related accidents, Go principally authored and co-sponsored the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. The said measure mandates the bureau to undergo a modernization program that shall include procuring new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized training for firefighters.
It also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units.
“Hinihikayat ko rin po ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan na mas lalo pang palakasin ang fire prevention awareness. Karamihan po sa ating mga kababayan ay kulang pa po ang kaalaman sa fire safety kaya mas mabuti po na ibahagi natin ito sa kanila para maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari,” he urged.
Furthermore, Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassion for poor Filipinos, highlighted Senate Bill No. 2451, known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he co-sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. Based on the Mandatory Evacuation Center bill Go filed earlier, the proposed legislation underscores the necessity of establishing mandatory evacuation centers in provinces and municipalities if enacted into law.
Go’s Malasakit Team provided immediate assistance, such as financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball, to seven affected households.
“Kaya patuloy akong tutulong sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil ang tangi kong bisyo ay magserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” Go said who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to sectors in need.
“Sa mga nasunugan, ‘wag kayong mag-alala. Ang importante buhay tayo, ang importante magtulungan tayo. Ang gamit atin ‘yang malalabhan. Ang pera ating kikitain ‘yan. Pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Pangalagaan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Diyos,” he continued.
As part of his efforts to boost the city, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported several initiatives, including the rehabilitation and construction of several multipurpose buildings and the rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, improvement of the Parañaque River Promenade Bridge, and acquisition of an ambulance unit.