PASAY CITY -- The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong'' Go organized a relief operation for the seven families who lost their houses in a fire in Las Piñas City. His team provided financial assistance, meals, food packs, vitamins and masks to the victims at the Pulang Lupa Uno Barangay Hall on Wednesday, December 1.

In a video message, Go wished the families a speedy recovery. He assured them that the country’s fire protection services will improve with the passage of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act.

"Importante po na mabigyan ng suporta ang modernization ng ating Bureau of Fire Protection dahil napaka-importante ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila upang makapagligtas ng buhay," Go explained.

"Halos linggo-linggo akong bumababa sa mga nasusunugan. Nakikita ko ang hirap ng ating mga kababayan. Kahit isang bahay lang ang masunog, damay pati ang kapitbahay. Maraming pamilya ang apektado kaya dapat na palakasin natin ang kapasidad ng BFP sa pagreresponde sa sunog," he continued.

Go was the principal author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1832 on which the BFP modernization law was based. It was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on September 11. The measure provides for the acquisition of modern fire equipment, expansion of the BFP's manpower, and provision of highly-specialized training to firefighters, among others. It also directs the BFP to implement monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit.

The lawmaker offered additional support for anyone needing medical attention. He advised them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center or at any of the other 30 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila.

Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where particularly poor and indigent patients may conveniently apply for medical assistance from the relevant government agencies, namely the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

It aims to reduce a hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering patient services and expenses. The program was institutionalized under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go also principally authored and sponsored in the Senate.

“Sinimulan namin ang programang ito dahil ayaw naming pinapahirapan kayo. Dito niyo makikita ang puso ni Pangulong Duterte para sa mga mahihirap. Binabalik namin ang pera ninyo sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mas mabilis at maayos na serbisyo,” explained Go.

“Masaya akong sunud-sunod ang pagbubukas ng mga Malasakit Centers. Tiwala ako na magiging malaking tulong ito sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga walang matakbuhan at maaasahan kundi ang gobyerno,” he added.

In the end, the lawmaker thanked Pulang Lupa Uno Punong Barangay Reinier Salvador and other local officials for their quick response and continued dedication amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other calamities.

Go had also sent his team to help 40 fire victims at the Talon Singko Barangay Hall last November 25. All distributions were conducted in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols against COVID-19. (OSBG)