PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, as one of the authors and sponsors of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization bill, reiterated the significance of enhancing and improving the Bureau’s capabilities in addressing fire-related incidents as he extended help to families whose houses were damaged in the recent fire incidents in Metro Manila.

On Monday, July 26, one family from Brgy. West Rambo, Makati City received assistance from Go while on Tuesday, July 27, Go’s staff handed out relief to a family in Sta. Lucia Village, Valenzuela City, and 27 families in Brgy. 60 Zone 7, Pasay City.

Through his video message, Go expressed his sympathy to the affected families and he reassured them that, together with his fellow lawmakers, he will continue to push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1832.

The proposed measure shall mandate the BFP to implement a modernization program, the components of which will include recruiting more firefighters, provision of specialized trainings, and upgrading and acquiring new fire equipment, among others.

“Sa mga kababayan ko naman po na nasunugan, huwag ho kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit po’y nabibili, ang pera po’y kikitain natin, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay,” said Go.

Go’s outreach team held the distribution activities at their respective barangay halls. The families, then, received financial assistance, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins while they strictly followed necessary safety and health protocols.

To further help them recover from the damages caused by the fire, the Department of Social Welfare and Development granted each family with additional financial assistance.

Additionally, qualified beneficiaries from Pasay City will benefit from the emergency housing and livelihood programs offered by the National Housing Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry, respectively.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go advised the public to continue adhering to health preventive measures, such as frequent washing of hands, wearing of masks and face shields when in public, maintaining social distance, and avoiding unnecessary travels as much as possible, to help curb the spread of the virus.

Go, then, encouraged the qualified beneficiaries to take part in the national vaccination program as the vaccines are free and it will serve as an added protection against COVID-19.

“‘Pag nasa priority list na po---frontliners, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, economic frontliners---ay puwede na hong magpabakuna. Magpabakuna na ho kayo. Libre po itong bakuna,” Go expressed.

As the health and well-being of Filipinos are part of his top priorities, Go reached out to beneficiaries with health concerns and advised them that they can visit any of the 26 Malasakit Centers across Metro Manila if they may need any medical attention.

First established in Cebu City in 2018, the Malasakit Centers aim to conveniently provide Filipinos, especially those underprivileged patients, the access to medical programs offered by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

One of the fire victims, Mc Benedick Cruzin, shared that although their house was severely damaged by the fire, he was relieved that his family was not harmed, saying, “Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Senator Bong Go sa binigay niyang tulong sa amin at sa iba pa pong pamilya na nasunugan po. Napakalaking tulong po nito, salamat po talaga, Senator Bong Go.”

Go, then, commended the local government officials of Makati City, Valenzuela City, and Pasay City for ensuring that their respective communities recover from such incidents and calamities amid the national health crisis.

“Kailangang mag-ingat po tayo parati. Hindi po natin ma-afford muli na mapuno ‘yung mga hospital at bumagsak po ang ating healthcare system,” said Go.

“Pakiusap lang ho namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo, disiplina at huwag maging kumpiyansa. Magtulungan lang po tayo, magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” he ended. (OSBG)