PASAY CITY -- As part of an outreach effort to keep communities better informed, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded the public that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep their homes safe from potential fire hazards and urged them to follow the simple fire safety tips recommended by authorities so they can be safe and free from harm.

On Thursday, August 19, his team organized an activity for the victims of a recent fire incident in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. The team provided meals, vitamins, masks and face shields to a total of 13 beneficiaries at the Motorpool Area. Representatives from the National Housing Authority also handed out separate financial assistance under its Emergency Housing Assistance Program in a separate distribution.

In a video message, the Senator extended his sympathy to the victims and reassured them that the government is committed to ensuring they get the support they need to recover more quickly. He also asked concerned authorities to reach out to his office should they have any trouble availing assistance from anywhere in government.

“Mga kababayan ko, mag-ingat tayo dahil delikado pa ang panahon at nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya. Mahirap masunugan. Gayunpaman, tandaan natin na ang gamit naman ay nabibili at ang pera po’y kikitain natin. Pero ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi po mabibili ang buhay,” said Go.

“Huwag sana kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandirito ang gobyerno para tulungan kayong makabangon muli. Lapitan niyo lang ako kung may iba pa kaming maitutulong. Patuloy kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot na aming makakaya,” he continued.

The Senator is an author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1832 which provides for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection. The modernization program will include the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of more personnel, and provision of highly specialized training programs.

When enacted, the BFP will also be mandated to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, especially in informal settlements, economically depressed areas and far-flung communities. The bicameral conference committee report was ratified during the Senate session on August 4.

“Saksi ako sa hinagpis na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan na biktima ng mga sunog. Buwan-buwan, bago ang pandemya, ilang insidente ng sunog ang aking binibisita sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating nabiktima nito,” continued Go.

“To better protect them, we need to strengthen the Bureau of Fire Protection by improving its services and capabilities so that it can efficiently and effectively respond to incidents and other catastrophes,” he explained.

To help ensure the victims’ health and well-being, the Senator offered medical assistance to those with injuries or health concerns. He informed the victims that they may obtain further aid from the government through the nearest Malasakit Center located at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) in the same city or at the Lianga District Hospital in Lianga town.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together under one roof the agencies from which patients may seek medical assistance, namely the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The centers have assisted more than two million particularly poor and indigent patients since Go launched the program in 2018. There are currently 137 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Ending his message, Go thanked the local officials and first responders led by Representative Prospero Pichay, Governor Alexander Pimentel, Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel and the barangay officials for their quick response to the incident and the support they provided to the affected residents.

To boost the economic development in the province, Go extended his support to several projects in Surigao del Sur, including the rehabilitation of roads in Barobo, Bislig City, Cagwait, Carmen, Madrid, Marihatag, San Agustin, San Miguel, and Tago; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Barobo, Bayabas, Carmen, Cortes, Hinatuan, and Tagbina; and construction of evacuation centers in Bislig City and Carmen.

He likewise helped in the acquisition of a fire truck, mini dump truck, and video surveillance cameras in Bayabas; acquisition and installation of street lights in Hinatuan; and provision of ambulance units in Cortes, Lanuza, Lianga, and San Agustin.

On July 31, the Senator personally witnessed the launch of the 132nd Malasakit Center at the ASTMMC during which he provided aid to 894 medical frontliners and 103 patients. All activities were held in strict compliance with the government-issued health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)