Senator Christopher “Bong” Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to aid families affected by a fire incident in Binangonan, Rizal on Tuesday, August 26.
“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,” Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON, said.
Senator Go also underscored the importance of life and bayanihan in recovering from adversity.
“Malungkot pong masunugan. Subalit nandirito tayo para magtulungan. Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina, 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. Importante buhay po tayo,” Go said.
The senator emphasized the importance of community solidarity during difficult times, “Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo kapwa Pilipino. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya.”
The relief operation, which included financial assistance, balde packs, water containers, shirts, snacks, balls, and vitamins from Senator Go for ten families, was successfully conducted in coordination with local officials.
Meanwhile, Go highlighted the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, enacted as Republic Act No. 11589, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. He cited its importance in equipping fire personnel to better handle similar incidents through sustained upgrades in equipment, training, and manpower.
Go also cited RA 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he also principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the establishment of safe and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every municipality and city across the country to ensure that displaced families have access to these centers.
“Sana tutukan ang mga evacuation centers. Batas naman po ito na maglalagay ng evacuation centers para naman po kumportable ang ating mga kababayan tuwing may sunog,” Go said.
In addition, the senator is pushing for the passage of the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), a priority measure he refiled in the 20th Congress. The DDR seeks to unify disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation under one dedicated agency.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.