FOLLOWING his visit to Muntinlupa City where he assisted fire victims, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited more recovering fire victims in Parañaque City on Saturday, February 8, to extend assistance and help them rebuild.
The 296 fire victims gathered at the Parañaque City Sports Complex, where the senator and his Malasakit Team distributed essential aid, including grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, basketballs and volleyballs, and shirts. Selected beneficiaries also received mobile phones, shoes, bicycles, and a watch to bring some relief and encouragement to affected families.
Go also took the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of local officials in responding to the crisis, including Mayor Eric Olivarez, Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte, city councilors and barangay officials.
Through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) of the National Housing Authority (NHA), which Go continues to support, beneficiaries received financial aid to help them rebuild their homes after the devastating fire incident.
“Ang EHAP ay isang malaking tulong para sa mga kababayan nating nawalan ng tirahan. Sa tulong ng programang ito, maaari kayong makabili ng yero, pako, kahoy, at iba pang pangunahing materyales para makapag-umpisa muli,” Senator Go stated.
EHAP provides housing and financial assistance to families affected by disasters such as fires, typhoons, and earthquakes. Senator Go reiterated the importance of programs like these in ensuring that victims receive immediate support for their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Sa mga kababayan nating nawalan ng tahanan, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang mahalaga, ligtas ang ating pamilya. Ang mga gamit ay nabibili at maaaring palitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever,” Go reminded the fire victims.
Senator Go also highlighted his proposed Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for disaster victims. If passed, this measure will provide temporary housing assistance to help displaced families access formal housing while they work toward recovery.
Furthermore, Go emphasized the importance of strengthening fire prevention and response measures, citing Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates a ten-year modernization plan that includes enhanced training, better equipment, additional firefighters, and nationwide fire prevention campaigns in coordination with local government units.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo sa akin na makapagserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At ang pwede ko pong ialay sa inyo ay ang aking kasipagan dahil bisyo ko na ang pagseserbisyo,” said Go, who is widely known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his unwavering dedication to helping Filipinos in need.
