PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go distributed assistance to a total of 213 individuals in Mandaluyong City whose homes were destroyed by previous fire incidents.

The senator’s staff provided each family with meals on Tuesday, November 16. They also gave masks so people can stay protected.

Personnel from the DSWD handed out livelihood assistance to each beneficiary under its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Meanwhile, following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, Go expressed his confidence that the bureau will soon have sufficient resources to enhance the country’s fire response and prevention efforts.

The said law provides for the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of additional personnel, and provision of specialized training for firefighters. It also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Saksi ako sa hinagpis na nararamdaman ng mga biktima ng sunog. Kada buwan, ilang komunidad ang ating binibisita sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong,” Go expressed in a video message.

“Obligasyon ng gobyerno na maging handa sa oras ng sakuna kaya nag-file ako ng batas para mabigyan ng karagdagang kagamitan at personnel ang ating Bureau of Fire Protection,” he added.

To ensure their health and well-being, Go also offered to assist any beneficiary in need of medical attention and advised them to avail of medical assistance from the government at the nearest Malasakit Center located at the National Center for Mental Health in the city.

The center is a one-stop shop initiated by Go and now institutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. It provides convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The senator went on to recognize the local officials in Mandaluyong City who extended their assistance to the families.

“Kami naman po ni Pangulong Duterte ay handang magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Magtiwala lang tayo sa gobyerno, magtulungan lang tayo,” said Go.

“Alam ko po na hirap kayo, hirap din po kami ni Pangulong Duterte. Kayo po ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin para po makapagserbisyo po kami upang malampasan natin itong pandemyang ito,” he ended. (OSBG)