The Manila Times
SEN. Bong Go on Thursday underscored the importance of fire preparedness and accessible emergency support systems as he visited families affected by a recent blaze in Barangay Bagong Ilog, Pasig City. He inspected the fire-hit area and met with displaced residents alongside Vice Mayor Richard Vincent Jude “Dodot” Jaworski and local officials, including councilors and barangay leaders. The visit aimed to assess damage, deliver assistance and ensure that the immediate needs of affected families were being addressed. Immediate response A total of 152 families displaced by the fire received relief packages during the distribution held at Bagong Ilog Elementary School Pavilion. Assistance included food packs, water, clothing, vitamins, recreational items and financial aid intended to help families begin recovery. Go encouraged victims to remain resilient, emphasizing community solidarity. “Don’t thank me. I should be the one to thank you because you allowed me to help,” he said, urging Filipinos to support one another during crises. Push for fire preparedness The senator reiterated calls for stricter adherence to fire safety measures, particularly those issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection. He warned against illegal electrical connections and unsafe cooking practices, which are among the leading causes of residential fires in densely populated communities. Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11589, a law mandating a 10-year modernization program for the fire service. The measure includes provisions for upgraded equipment, expanded manpower, enhanced training and intensified fire prevention campaigns in coordination with local government units. Long-term solutions Highlighting the need for sustainable disaster-response infrastructure, Go pushed for the construction of permanent evacuation centers. He cited RA 12076, which requires every city and municipality to establish disaster-resilient evacuation facilities. According to the senator, such centers are essential to ensure that displaced families — especially children — have access to safe, clean and comfortable temporary shelter, reducing the risk of illness while awaiting resettlement. “Preparedness means investing in permanent, well-equipped facilities rather than relying on improvised shelters,” Go said, recalling discussions with local officials on prioritizing such infrastructure. Go also linked disaster preparedness to health care access, highlighting the role of Malasakit Centers in assisting victims with medical expenses. He authored and sponsored RA 11463, which institutionalized these one-stop service centers nationwide. Operated in coordination with the Department of Health, Malasakit Centers help indigent patients reduce hospital bills and access government assistance. As of the latest data, 167 centers are operational nationwide, including one at Rizal Medical Center in Pasig. Amid broader national and global challenges, Go called for unity and vigilance, urging Filipinos to remain focused on public welfare and the fight against corruption. “The whole world is in turmoil... When the world is in turmoil, our people are affected,” he said. “Let’s not forget to fight for our countrymen.”
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