PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance for local authorities to raise awareness on fire safety and preparedness as his team mounted a relief operation for fire victims in Isabela City, Basilan on Thursday, December 9.

To mitigate the occurrence of and lessen the severity of damages due to fire-related accidents, Go principally authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1832, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The said measure mandates the bureau to undergo a modernization program that shall include procuring new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized training for firefighters.

It also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government and local government units.

During a video message, Go reminded the affected families to always prioritize their safety especially at this time of crisis. He then encouraged those eligible to take advantage of the vaccines against COVID-19 and get inoculated immediately.

“Nakakalungkot man po na nasunugan kayo (pero ang) importante po (ay) magtulungan tayo (at) buhay tayo. Ang gamit naman po’y nabibili natin, ang pera po’y kikitain natin. Subalit 'yung perang kikitain po natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay,” Go expressed.

His team then provided snacks and masks to a total of 237 fire victims at Basilan Provincial Capitol Ground. Go’s staff also provided select recipients with bicycles and new pairs of shoes while they gave others computer tablets to help students cope with the blended learning set-up implemented in schools.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave the fire victims financial assistance, grocery packs and hygiene kits to help them sustain their daily needs. The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, in turn, gave supplies of masks and vegetable seeds, respectively.