Senator Bong Go, through his team, extended assistance to fire victims in Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Davao City, reaffirming the need for preparedness, vigilance, and sustained support for communities recovering from disasters.
“Ang ipinagdarasal ko ngayon ay makabalik tayo sa normal na pamumuhay natin at makapagtrabaho tayo makapagserbisyo tayo sa mga kababayan nating Pilipino,” Go said.
The veteran legislator conveyed his solidarity with affected residents.
“Alam ko kung gaano kahirap ang masunugan at magsimulang muli sa wala.”
“Kabalo ko lisod ang masunugan, sugod napud sa uno. Timan-an nato nga ang kwarta makita, ang gamit, mapalit, pero ang kinabuhi dili mapalit sa kwarta. A lost life is a lost life forever. Sa abot sa akong makaya, kung unsa akong matabang sa inyo, mutabang gyud ko (Alam ko kung gaano kahirap ang masunugan at magsimulang muli sa wala. Tandaan natin na ang pera ay kikitain, ang mga gamit ay nabibili, pero ang buhay ay hindi mabibili ng pera… sa abot ng aking makakaya, kung ano ang maitutulong ko sa inyo, tutulong ako),” the seasoned lawmaker told them.
The distribution was held at Katambak Gym, where 37 affected families received support from the senator’s team as they worked to recover from the fire incident.
Go also clarified that the assistance he extends comes from his personal capacity, underscoring his long-standing commitment to helping communities even before holding national office.
“Kung unsay tabang nga atong mahatag sa atong isig katao, buhaton na nato karon. Sunog, baha, lindol, putok ng bulkan, pinupuntahan ko ‘yan. Kahit hindi pa ako senador noon, pinupuntahan ko ‘yan. Gusto namo ni Tatay Digong na kami ang mukab-ot sa inyo. Daghan salamat sa inyong oras karon (Kung anuman ang tulong na maibibigay natin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon. Sunog, baha, lindol, putok ng bulkan, pinupuntahan ko ‘yan. Kahit hindi pa ako senador noon, pinupuntahan ko ‘yan. Gusto namin ni Tatay Digong na kami ang lumapit sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa oras ninyo ngayon),” he said.
Go then stressed the importance of heightened awareness and stronger fire prevention measures, particularly as communities continue to face risks from residential fires and other emergencies.
He also underscored the need to strengthen disaster response capabilities, citing Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, of which he is the principal author and co-sponsor. The law mandates a ten-year modernization program to enhance firefighting capacity through improved equipment, personnel, and training.
“Unahin natin ang mga programang makakatulong sa mahihirap.”
“Unahon nato ang mga programa nga maka tabang sa mga pobre. Magtinabangay sa gyud ta karon (Unahin natin ang mga programang makakatulong sa mahihirap. Magtulungan talaga tayo ngayon,)” Go stressed.
In addition, Go reiterated his support for long-term disaster resilience measures, including RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, of which he is the principal author and co-sponsor. The law provides for the establishment of permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide.
Go also cited several disaster-related measures he filed, including Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act; SBN 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Act, which seeks to provide rental assistance to informal settlers and victims of disasters; and SBN 669, or the proposed Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel Act.
During the activity, beneficiaries received financial assistance, food packs, water containers, shirts, vitamins, pens, and balls. Selected beneficiaries also received a phone and a watch.
Go acknowledged the support of Barangay Captain Romeo Evangelista.
“Asahan niyo po, bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyo, mga kababayan ko. Huwag po nating kalimutang magpasalamat sa Panginoon,” he concluded.
