SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go extended assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Barangay Quiot, Cebu City, on Tuesday, November 12, in coordination with Barangay Captain Danny Teves.
In a message, Go reminded families of the government’s ongoing initiatives to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as part of the BFP Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. Under Republic Act No. 11589, the BFP is set to acquire advanced fire equipment, expand its workforce of firefighters, and deliver specialized training to enhance readiness for fire emergencies.
The law also requires the BFP to conduct regular fire prevention campaigns and information drives in collaboration with local government units and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“Alam kong napakahirap pong masunugan. Umpisa po muli, back to zero. Naiintindihan ko po ang inyong pinagdadaanan dahil palagi kong binibisita ang mga nasunugan,” Go said.
“Pero tandaan po natin, ang gamit po’y nabibili. Ang damit po’y nalalabhan. Ang pera po ay kikitain natin. Subalit ang nawalang buhay ay hindi po nabibili at nababalik muli. Importante po buhay tayo. Huwag ho kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan tayo para makabangon muli,” he continued.
Go is also the principal author and one of the co-sponsors of SBN 2451, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. This bill aims to establish fully functional mandatory evacuation centers in strategic locations nationwide. The bill already passed its third reading in the Senate and is now expected to be signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The relief operation, held at the Sitio Gemelina in Barangay Quiot, saw Go’s Malasakit Team distributing financial aid, grocery packs, vitamins, snacks, water containers, and masks to 14 affected families. Additionally, some recipients received new pairs of shoes, mobile phones, basketballs, and volleyballs.
Go’s continuous advocacy underscores his dedication to assisting fire victims and ensuring community resilience against disasters, with an eye toward both immediate support and long-term city development.
“Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan na higit na nangangailangan. Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go.
