Senator Bong Go continued his efforts to assist disaster-affected communities as his Malasakit Team extended assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City.
The distribution was conducted within the vicinity of the fire site in Barangay Tisa, where residents were still recovering from the October 28 incident that disrupted their lives and damaged their properties.
Go has consistently emphasized the importance of providing timely assistance to families affected by fires and other emergencies, particularly those facing the difficult task of rebuilding their homes and recovering their belongings.
“Ang gamit ay nabibili, ang pera ay kikitain, subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay.”
“Sa mga nasunugan, huwag ho kayong mag-alala. Sabi ko nga sa inyo noon, ang gamit ay nabibili, ang pera ay kikitain, subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever,” the veteran legislator has repeatedly reminded fire victims.
The seasoned lawmaker highlighted the importance of strengthening fire prevention and emergency response capabilities, recognizing the risks faced by families living in densely populated communities where fires can rapidly spread and affect multiple households.
As principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, the senator has supported efforts to improve the country’s firefighting capabilities through the acquisition of modern equipment, the development of specialized training programs, and the strengthening of emergency response services.
The law provides for a modernization program intended to enhance the Bureau of Fire Protection’s capacity to prevent and suppress fires, conduct rescue operations, and protect communities from fire-related emergencies.
He has also advocated for stronger disaster preparedness through RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
The measure mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and properly equipped evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide to provide appropriate temporary shelter for families displaced by calamities.
Go likewise filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to strengthen coordination among government agencies responsible for disaster preparedness, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Recognizing the difficulties faced by families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, he also filed SBN 415, which proposes rental housing subsidies for qualified informal settler families and disaster victims.
The proposed measure seeks to provide additional support to displaced families while they work toward securing more stable living arrangements.
The relief activity benefited seven fire-affected families where they received financial assistance, grocery packs, water containers, snacks, shirts, vitamins and balls for basketball or volleyball, as part of the senator’s continuing efforts to help communities address their immediate needs following disasters.
“Assistance to disaster victims should prioritize their safety, health, and essential household needs while supporting their recovery.”
Go has maintained that assistance to disaster victims should prioritize their safety, health, and essential household needs while supporting their recovery.
“Ang importante po magtulungan tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo lang po mga kapwa Pilipino?” he emphasized.
Go reiterated his commitment to supporting communities affected by emergencies and pursuing measures that strengthen public safety, disaster preparedness, and access to government assistance.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, ay gawin na po natin ngayon. Dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he concluded.
