On the same day that the Bicameral Conference Committee Report for the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act was ratified by the Senate, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued to support fire victims as he sent his team to deliver assistance in Cavite City on Wednesday, August 4.
Go expressed his concern to 21 families, composed of 65 individuals, whose houses were damaged by the recent fire incident in Samonte Park, Cavite City.
In his video message, Go stressed the importance of enhancing the capabilities of the BFP especially since there are growing numbers of reported fire incidents in the country even at the height of the pandemic.
Go then mentioned that the modernization of the bureau will include the acquisition of modern fire equipment, hiring more firefighters, and provisioning of specialized trainings, among others.
“Sa mga nasunugan naman po, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ang gamit po’y nabibilil, ang pera po’y kinikita. Subalit ang perang kinikita ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo, mga kababayan ko,” Go remarked.
Go’s team conducted the relief efforts at Porta Vega Elementary School as health and safety protocols were fully implemented after the team grouped the beneficiaries into smaller batches to avoid the further spread of the virus.
The fire victims received financial assistance, grocery packs, meals, masks, face shields, and vitamins. Some were also given new pairs of shoes, bicycles, and computer tablets.
To further help the beneficiaries recover, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave additional financial assistance while the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Housing Authority conducted an assessment where qualified recipients will benefit from their respective livelihood and housing programs.
A former worker in a foam factory, Ernesto Erediano shared how he now struggles to provide for his six children after being displaced from his job of more than 20 years.
He then expressed his gratitude towards President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Go, saying “Maraming-marami hong salamat. Nagpapasalamat ho ako nang marami sa ating Pangulo at sa kanyang mga kaalakbay. Nagpapasalamat din po ako kay Senador Bong Go sa binigay na tulong sa akin.”
Apart from the assistance provided, Go reached out to the beneficiaries, and their loved ones, who have health concerns to visit any of the two Malasakit Centers in Cavite located at Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor City, and General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martires City.
