Messages of hope and assurance of government support were extended to families affected by a recent fire in Barangay Tejeros, Makati City, as Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally led a relief effort on Wednesday, January 28. The fire, which occurred on January 24, claimed two lives and left six others injured.
Prior to the distribution of assistance, Go conducted an on-site inspection of the fire-hit area together with Barangay Tejeros Captain Deng Leonardo. He also visited the exact location where the blaze reportedly started to gain a clearer understanding of the extent of the damage and the difficulties faced by displaced residents.
“Pinuntahan namin mismo ang lugar kung saan nasunugan. Importante po sa akin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Sabi ko nga, ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera ay kikitain ‘yan kung magsusumikap tayo. Pero ang buhay, hindi po nabibili. Importante pong buhay tayo, at kilala po ang mga Pilipino sa pagtutulungan,” Go said.
He emphasized that providing assistance is part of his sworn duty as a public servant. “Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Mawalang-galang na po, Mayor. Kung ano po ang naitulong ko sa inyong siyudad, trabaho ko po ‘yun. Ako pa nga po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataong makapagserbisyo,” he added.
Go also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the two fatalities, identifying them as spouses Ariston Cagatin and Hilda Cagatin. “Mga kababayan ko, ako po’y nakikiramay sa pamilya nina Ariston at Hilda Cagatin. My deepest condolences. Ramdam ko po ang inyong pagdadalamhati. Magdasal po tayo,” he said.
He further mentioned not to lose hope and continue to pray. “Alam niyo, napaka importante po ng dasal. Kanina, naabutan ko po ang Nazareno, hindi po nasunog, ‘yung Bible, hindi po nasunog. Ibig sabihin, mayroon pong Panginoon kaya magdasal lang po tayo,” Go expressed.
The relief activity, held at the Carmona Sports Complex was conducted in coordination with Congresswoman Monique Lagdameo, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, Vice Mayor Kid Peña, and Barangay Captain Leonardo.
A total of 335 affected families received food packs, snacks, water containers, shirts, electric fans, fruits, and children’s toys from Go and his team. Financial assistance was also distributed, while select beneficiaries received additional items such as shoes, a bicycle, a mobile phone, and a watch.
The senator also acknowledged the national government’s ongoing assessment efforts to ensure that displaced families receive further support in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
Beyond immediate relief, Go reiterated the importance of long-term disaster preparedness and response. He cited his role as principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the construction of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities nationwide.
“Ako po ay kaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa laban kontra korapsyon. Kung nagamit lang po nang tama ang pondong nasayang sa flood control, ilang ospital, health center, eskwelahan, at evacuation center na po sana ang naipatayo. Ang evacuation center, batas na po ‘yan—dapat doon ginamit ang pondo,” Go stressed.
He likewise highlighted RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law aims to strengthen the country’s firefighting capability through modern equipment, improved training, and enhanced institutional support.
During the event, Go expressed his gratitude to uniformed personnel for their continued sacrifices. “Noong panahon pa po ni dating Pangulong Duterte, full support po kami sa kapulisan. Hindi magiging matagumpay ang laban kontra kriminalidad kung wala sila. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga bumbero, pulis, at ang Armed Forces of the Philippines. Maraming salamat po sa inyo,” he said.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also emphasized the need for accessible medical assistance, especially for indigent patients. He pointed to RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he authored and sponsored to institutionalize one-stop centers that help reduce hospital expenses for patients.
According to the Department of Health, there are currently 167 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, which have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos.
Additionally, through the collaborative efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, and local government units, funding has been allocated for the establishment of more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including one in the city.
“Bukas po parati ang aking opisina para sa inyo. Ako naman po, hindi ko kayang nakaupo lang sa opisina ko habang nangangailangan kayo ng tulong. Tawagin niyo lang po akong kuya Bong Go. Magseserbisyo po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
