Amid continuing efforts to uplift Filipinos affected by fire-related emergencies, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended assistance to families affected by a recent blaze in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental through his Malasakit Team on June 21.
Senator Go underscored the importance of bayanihan and collective support in ensuring that no Filipino is left behind after times of hardship.
Held at the Bacolod City New Government Center, the activity gathered fire-affected residents as Senator Bong Go’s Malasakit Team distributed essential aid — including food packs, water containers, shirts, calendars, caps, and sports items like basketballs and volleyballs — to 93 individuals, delivering the senator’s message of compassion and support.
The affected families came from the following barangays in Bacolod City: Barangays 15, 17, 2, Mansilingan, 26, Alijis, Taculing, Sum-ag, Estefania, Vista Alegre, Singcang-Airport, Mandalagan, Bata, and Granada.
“‘Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit po, napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever. Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayong kapwa Pilipino. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,’” the senator said in a video message.
He also recognized the National Housing Authority (NHA) for assessing the victims who may qualify for their Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), which aims to support families in rebuilding their homes and that Senator Go continues to support to help more victims recover from such disasters.
Go reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for housing and fire safety reforms in the country. He highlighted Senate Bill No. 192, which he filed to create a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for fire and crisis victims. If passed into law, the measure will provide temporary shelter assistance while families rebuild or transition to permanent homes.
He likewise underscored the importance of fire prevention and swift emergency response through the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law bolsters the capabilities of BFP through upgraded equipment and enhanced training of personnel.
In addition, Go cited Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a law he also principally authored and co-sponsored. It mandates the establishment of dedicated evacuation centers nationwide, ensuring safe and secure shelters for Filipinos during emergencies.
Go expressed gratitude to the local officials who helped organize the relief efforts and continue to support their constituents. The senator also recognized the crucial role of barangay leaders in grassroots response and governance.
“Isa lang po ang pakiusap ko sa mga barangay officials: ‘Wag pabayaan ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he reminded. “Bukas dapat palagi ang inyong tanggapan tuwing may nangangailangan.”
He then reaffirmed his personal commitment to serving the Filipino people, especially the most vulnerable.
“‘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 continues to be known nationwide as Mr. Malasakit for his consistent and compassionate service to the Filipino people.