Emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and disaster preparedness, Senator Bong Go dispatched his team to assist families affected by a recent fire in Ormoc City, Leyte.
In his video call, Go reminded residents to always prioritize safety above material possessions.
“Ang gamit po ay nalalabhan, ang pera ay kikitain natin ‘yan, subalit ang buhay ay iisa lang.”
“Tandaan po natin, ang gamit po ay nalalabhan, ang pera ay kikitain natin ‘yan, subalit ang buhay ay iisa lang. Nandito po ako para tumulong sa inyo at makapagbigay ng ngiti sa gitna ng pagdadalamhati. Ang tunay na serbisyo ay ang agarang pagdamay sa oras ng pangangailangan,” the veteran legislator stressed.
The seasoned lawmaker took the opportunity to underscore the value of stronger institutional support for fire response and disaster resilience.
The senator highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law seeks to upgrade firefighting equipment, increase personnel, and improve training programs to enhance the capability of fire responders nationwide.
“Accessible and well-equipped evacuation facilities are crucial in ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced families during emergencies.”
He also cited RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored, mandating the establishment of permanent, safe, and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality. He stressed that accessible and well-equipped evacuation facilities are crucial in ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced families during emergencies.
The outreach activity, held at the Naungan Barangay Hall provided relief to affected families. Through coordination with Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, Vice Mayor Leo Locsin Jr., and Brgy. Naungan Captain Jaime Hitgano, Go’s team distributed financial assistance, food packs, water containers, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to help ease the burden of 41 displaced victims. Select recipients also received shoes.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, he further emphasized the need for sustained government support beyond immediate relief. Go pointed to RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized one-stop shops in public hospitals to help indigent patients reduce their medical expenses through consolidated government assistance.
Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide and have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. In Ormoc City, a Malasakit Center is located at Ormoc District Hospital.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Go stated, “Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo—ang aking bisyo ay ang pagseserbisyo.”
