PASAY CITY -- Expressing his concern for the increasing numbers of fire incidents in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to push for strengthened prevention measures among communities to lessen fire-related accidents from happening in the future.

In his video message during a distribution of relief for fire victims in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City on Wednesday, April 20, Go appealed to the local authorities to bolster and promote fire safety measures in their community to ensure that families are equipped with basic knowledge on how to prevent fires in their own homes.

“Importante na suportahan natin ang kampanya kontra sunog upang maiwasan ang ganitong kataas na bilang ng mga insidente at makapagligtas ng buhay. Halos linggu-linggo tayong bumababa sa mga nasusunugan at nakikita ko ang hirap ng ating mga kababayan. Kahit isang bahay lang ang masunog, damay pati ang kapitbahay,” said Go.

“Kaya mag-ingat tayo parati. Ang gamit nabibili natin, ang pera kikitain natin. Pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. Pakiusap ko, maging alerto at magtulungan tayo para maiwasan natin maulit ang mga ganitong insidente,” he added.

The senator likewise successfully pushed for the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The law seeks to improve the capabilities of the BFP by implementing a ten-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized trainings, and many others.

The senator’s outreach team provided meals, masks, grocery packs, and shirts to 22 families at the Barangay Tambo Hall. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave financial assistance to help them rebuild their homes or sustain their daily needs while they recover.

Continuing his message, Go offered to aid those family members who are in need of hospital care. He advised them to apply for government assistance at the Malasakit Center available in Ospital ng Parañaque.

The center is a one-stop shop designed to assist poor and indigent patients by bringing together all concerned agencies that offer medical assistance programs, including DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under one roof.

“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ito sa inyo. Kung may bill kayo, nandiyan ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito. At kung may naiwang balanse, may iniwan rin na pondo ang Office of the President para wala na kayong babayaran sa inyong pagpapaospital,” Go explained.

The senator, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reminded the eligible public to get their COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots to ensure their protection against the said virus, saying, “Mga kababayan ko, libre naman po itong bakuna. Magpabakuna na po kayo dahil ito lamang po ang susi sa ngayon upang makapabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay.”

“Kailangan namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang kooperasyon ninyo upang malampasan natin ang krisis na ito. Huwag tayo maging kumpiyansa. Kahit na nabakunahan na kayo, magsuot pa rin tayo ng mask at mag-social distancing dahil hindi natin alam kung sino ang positibo sa COVID-19,” he urged.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported various initiatives in the city to improve its public service delivery. Among these projects are the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barangays Don Bosco, San Antonio, Moonwalk, and La Huerta, the rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, and the acquisition of an ambulance unit for the local government.

In the end, Senator Go expressed his gratitude towards the local leaders who continuously provide and exert great efforts to ensure that their constituents are well-supported especially during these challenging times. (OSBG)