Senator Bong Go reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipinos as he personally visited families displaced by a recent fire in Barangays 163 and 152 in Tondo, Manila, emphasizing the importance of fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and sustained government assistance for communities affected by calamities.
Go, together with his Malasakit Team, conducted a relief operation for 372 families at the Barangay 163 Covered Court, where he personally distributed assistance to residents affected by the fire.
The veteran legislator also proceeded to the fire’s ground zero to assess the extent of the damage and personally check on the condition of affected families.
Known for supporting micro and small entrepreneurs, the seasoned lawmaker also took time during his visit to buy from local vendors near the evacuation site.
One of the vendors selling siomai was also among those displaced by the fire. Grateful for the senator’s gesture, the vendor personally thanked Go for supporting small livelihood efforts even as affected families worked to recover from the disaster.
“Ang pera kikitain, ang gamit mabibili, ngunit ang buhay ay hindi mabibili ng pera.”
“Mga kababayan ko, sabi ko nga sa mga nasunugan kanina, ang pera kikitain, ang gamit mabibili, ngunit ang buhay ay hindi mabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he said.
Go likewise encouraged the victims to remain hopeful as they rebuild their lives.
“Magtrabaho lang po tayo, magsumikap lang po tayo.”
“Magtrabaho lang po tayo, magsumikap lang po tayo. Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magdasal tayo at magpasalamat tayo sa Panginoon,” he added.
Go also said that he will proceed to the Senate after and expressed hope that the institution would continue fulfilling its mandate while addressing pressing national concerns.
“Ngayon, hahabol pa po ako, magtatrabaho pa po kami. Alam ninyo naman, may impeachment. Sana matapos na po itong gulo sa Senado,” he said.
The relief operation was carried out in coordination with local officials. Present during the event was Barangay 163 Captain Baby Gutierrez and other barangay officials.
Each affected family received financial assistance, grocery packs, water containers, vitamins, snacks, shirts, and sports equipment. Select beneficiaries also received shoes, mobile phones, wristwatches, and bicycles.
Go likewise reiterated the importance of strengthening the country’s fire prevention and emergency response capabilities. He cited Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law strengthens the Bureau of Fire Protection by upgrading its organizational structure, enhancing personnel capabilities, and modernizing firefighting equipment and facilities to improve emergency response nationwide.
Go also underscored the importance of providing safe and dignified temporary shelter for displaced families through RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a measure he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law institutionalizes the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers across the country to ensure that evacuation sites are safer, more organized, and better equipped during emergencies.
Recognizing that disasters often leave lasting health and financial burdens on affected families, Go also emphasized the role of Malasakit Centers in helping indigent patients access medical assistance. He is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized one-stop shops that streamline access to medical and financial assistance from various government agencies.
According to the Department of Health, there are now 167 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, which have collectively assisted more than 17 million Filipinos. In Manila, beneficiaries may seek assistance through the Malasakit Centers at Tondo Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and San Lazaro Hospital.
Before concluding his visit, Go assured the victims that they can continue to count on his office for assistance.
“Salamat po sa inyong lahat. Parati pong bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat,” he concluded.
