PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, July 21, reiterated his appeal for greater government support for the country’s local fire departments so they can acquire the resources and tools they need to protect the safety and properties of the public as well as that of their personnel. He also stressed the importance of strengthening fire prevention awareness drives especially in undeprivileged communities.
In a message for the victims of a recent fire incident in Cabuyao City, Laguna, Go specifically called for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 1832 which shall task the Bureau of Fire Protection to implement a program to modernize its operations, facilities and equipment.
“Mga kababayan, masakit man ang nangyari, ang importante ay buhay tayo. Ang gamit naman nabibili at ang pera kikitain natin. Subalit ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. Tandaan natin na a life lost is a life lost forever,” said Go.
“Dapat maging proactive tayo. Panahon na para i-upgrade ang kapabilidad at mga pasilidad ng Bureau of Fire Protection. Bukod sa pagiging laging handa, dapat maging informed din ang ating mga kababayan kung paano maiiwasan ang mga insidente tulad ng sunog," he continued.
The Senator’s staff provided meals, financial assistance, food packs, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 14 fire victims at the Bigaa barangay hall. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided additional financial assistance in a separate distribution.
In his message, Go offered further support for the victims in need of medical care. He encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at the San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City or Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz where they may conveniently avail of the medical assistance offered by the government.
The centers are one-stop shops which streamline the process of requesting medical assistance from the relevant agencies, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The Malasakit Centers program, which Go launched in 2018 and was subsequently legislated in 2019, has benefited over two million patients nationwide.
”Sa mga pasyente dito, kung may bill kayo, ilapit niyo lang ito sa Malasakit Center at tutulungan kayo nito makahingi ng tulong sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno. Hindi niyo na kailangan bumiyahe para pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina. Wala itong pinipili. Basta poor at indigent patient ka, qualified ka,” explained Go.
The Senator went on to thank the local officials for their rapid response to meet the needs of their affected constituents, namely Mayor Rommel Gelocea, Vice Mayor Leif Opiña and Punong Barangay Mario Servo.
