In the wake of a fire that struck Barangays 66, 148, and 185 in Pasay City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally went to assist affected families, underscoring the need for immediate relief and long-term support systems for disaster victims.
Amid the ongoing dry season, Go highlighted the need for stronger fire prevention and greater vigilance in communities, especially as extreme heat continues to pose risks to public health and may increase the likelihood of fire incidents.
Go then reassured victims of his continued commitment to reach Filipinos in need despite his duties in the Senate.
“Pasensya na po, nag motor lang ako papunta rito sainyo. Malapit lang naman po ang Senado, magtatrabaho pa po ako. Alam niyo, magulo po ang Senado ngayon, ipagdasal niyo po kami. Sana po’y makabalik na sa normal na pamumuhay ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Alam niyo, sa bawat gulo, ang apektado dyan ay ang ating mga kababayan. Kung magulo sa Pilipinas, ang nasasakripisyo ay ang serbisyo sa mga Pilipino,” he said.
“Nasubaybayan niyo naman po siguro ang nangyari sa Senado. Itong pagpunta ko dito, na schedule talaga ito. Hindi ko naman akalain na magkakagulo diyan sa Senado pero sabi ko, pupuntahan ko kayo. Nanggaling po sa inyo ang aking lakas, mga kababayan ko,” he added.
The distribution activity, held at Brgy. 66 covered court, benefited a total of 126 fire-hit families who received financial assistance, snacks, vitamins, water containers, balls, shirts, grocery packs, and fans to help them recover from the incident. Select recipients also received shoes, a mobile phone, a watch, and a bicycle.
The Senator also acknowledged the barangay captains present, such as Brgy. 57 Captain Noel Dulejan, Brgy. 62 Captain Wilfredo dela Rosa, Brgy. 61 Captain Frederick Mesias, Brgy. 64 Captain Brgy. 65 Captain Jun Suledom, Brgy. 66 Captain Lemon Tawat, Brgy. 148 Captain Benjamine Tumazar, and Brgy. 185 Captain Ronnie Ramos, among others.
Beyond emergency response, Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law seeks to enhance the country’s fire prevention and response capabilities through improved equipment, additional personnel, and upgraded training over a ten-year period.
Complementing these measures, Go renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program. The measure aims to provide temporary housing support to families displaced by disasters as they work toward securing permanent shelter.
Go urged affected residents to take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or fatigue occur.
He emphasized the role of Malasakit Centers in ensuring that victims of fires and other emergencies can access medical assistance without additional financial burden. He is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers across the country.
Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops that help indigent patients reduce hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount, a critical support system during disasters when injuries and health emergencies often arise.
Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers are established nationwide, according to a report from the Department of Health (DOH).
He also encouraged everyone to support the local businesses as he bought kwek-kwek along the street.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”
