PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office reached out to 36 households affected by a fire in Alley 22, P. Rosales St., Sta. Ana, Pateros on Thursday, July 22, to give urgent aid as well as medical attention to those in need.

The Senator’s team held an activity at the Musni Covered Court where they provided each family with financial assistance, food packs and meals. They also distributed vitamins, masks and face shields to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The activity was conducted under strict compliance with health guidelines.

Go, in a video message, reiterated his commitment to push for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection in order to improve its capabilities in helping prevent fire-related accidents and injuries.

He authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1832 which mandates the BFP to implement a modernization program, the components of which will include the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of more firefighters, and provision of specialized training, among others.

“Mga kababayan ko, bilang isang Senador, nag-file po ako sa Senado, itong modernization of Bureau of Fire Protection---karagdagang kagamitan, karagdagang fire fighters, at monthly education campaign para turuan po ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat po,” said Go.

“Dahil bawat bahay na nasusunog, damay po ang kapitbahay, kaya ingat kayo. Magtulungan lang po tayo. Mga kababayan ko, ang gamit po’y nabibili. Ang pera po’y kinikita subalit ang perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Kaya mag-ingat po. A lost life is a life lost forever,” he added.

Go also said anyone needing medical attention can reach out to his office and vowed to help them obtain proper treatment so they can recover. He also advised them to visit their nearest Malasakit Center where they may conveniently avail of further medical assistance from the government.

A Malasakit Center is fully functional at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital. This is a one-stop shop where Filipino patients can apply for medical assistance from the relevant agencies, namely the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored. There are 130 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Representatives from the DSWD were likewise present to provide separate financial assistance as part of the national government’s relief measures for individuals affected by crisis situations.

“Salamat sa Diyos at tunay na napakabuti pa rin niya dahil nagising ako, pero hindi ko talaga matanggal ‘yung trauma hanggang ngayon,” said Elizabeth Que, one of the victims.

“Gusto ko rin magpasalamat kay Senator, sa kabutihan mo, Senator. Maraming salamat po sa ipinaabot ninyong tulong sa amin,” she added.

Go also recognized and thanked the local officials including Representative Alan Peter Cayetano, Mayor Ike Ponce, Vice Mayor Gerald German and Punong Barangay Benny Santidad for their untiring service to their communities amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Ending his message, Go thanked all frontliners who are currently leading the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Salamat po sa mga frontliners, salamat po sa mga pulis, sa mga militar, at sa lahat po ng mga tumulong lalung-lalo na po sa panahon ngayon,” said Go.

“Kailangan po nating magtulungan upang malampasan po natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap. Salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo para sa ating mga kababayan,” he ended. (OSBG)