PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on the government to intensify fire prevention programs so they can meet local prevention needs following the recent fire incidents at a residential area in Iloilo City and Oton town public market.

He underscored the need to invest in programs to mitigate incidences of injuries and death resulting from fire-related hazards during a relief operation in Iloilo on Monday, March 7.

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

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

The lawmaker is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act. Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last September, the law provides for the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of additional personnel, and provision of specialized training for firefighters.

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

In line with the Fire Prevention Month’s aim to increase awareness among the public, Go’s team conducted separate activities at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office at the GT Mall in Iloilo City and the Oton Public Market.

They provided grocery packs, snacks and masks to a total of 227 fire victims, including affected market vendors. The team also gave select individuals new pairs of shoes or computer tablets which their children can use for their blended learning activities.

As part of the national government’s response to the incident, the DSWD distributed financial assistance. The National Housing Authority handed out separate financial aid to qualified beneficiaries to help rebuild their damaged houses.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted assessments for their ‘Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Livelihood’ and scholarship programs, respectively.

Continuing his message, Go further reminded everyone to remain vigilant against the ongoing threat of COVID-19. He especially called on the elderly and those with medical concerns to limit their contact with those outside their households to reduce their likelihood of getting infected.

“Binabalanse ng gobyerno ang lahat pero mas importante ang buhay ng ating mga kapatid. Mag-ingat palagi. Hindi natin kakayanin na magsarado na naman ang mga negosyo o mapuno ang mga ospital at baka bumagsak ang ating health care system. Iyan ang ating iniiwasan. Kaya habang nagpapabakuna kayo, huwag magkumpiyansa,” reminded Go.

Go also offered to assist victims suffering from injuries or illnesses and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center for further aid from the government. A Malasakit Center has opened at the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital (DJSMMCEH) in Barotac Nuevo, Western Visayas Sanitarium (WVS) in Santa Barbara, and Western Visayas Medical Center and West Visayas State University Medical Center in Iloilo City.

The center is a one-stop shop which provides convenient access to the medical assistance programs of the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. It seeks to reduce a patient’s hospital bill to the lowest possible amount by covering various medical services and expenses.

The senator went on to thank local officials and first responders for their quick response and support they extended to the victims. He pledged his steadfast support for the people of Iloilo, having previously assisted 1,312 micro-entrepreneurs and vulnerable workers in Iloilo City, Lemery and Sara last December 6.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported many infrastructure development initiatives to improve access to services and other socio-economic opportunities in the province.

He supported construction of a multipurpose building in the Iloilo City Public Market and completion of various barangay health stations throughout Iloilo City as well as the purchase of an ambulance for the Oton municipal government.

Other major initiatives include the concreting or construction of roads in Badiangan, Banate, Carles, Dumangas, Lemery, Miag-ao and Sara; construction of multipurpose buildings in Barotac Viejo; completion of the barangay health stations in Leon; construction of a flood control system in Balasan; construction of a seawall in Banate; construction of the legislative building complete with facilities in San Dionisio; and improvement of the public parks in Dueñas.

Recently, the senator also sponsored a bill that will increase the bed capacity and convert the WVS into the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital and another to upgrade the DJSMMCEH into a tertiary hospital to be known as the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center.

The bills were approved on the third and final reading in the Senate last January 31. (OSBG)