Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended the 73 graduates of the Fire Officer Basic Course (FOBC) 2025–36 Class “Pagsilak” at the National Fire Training Institute (NFTI) in Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna, on Tuesday, June 24. As an invited guest of honor and speaker, Go framed the role of firefighters as a sacred calling — a role defined by sacrifice, heart, and an unyielding sense of belonging within the nation’s public service.
He began by reminding the graduates of the important responsibility and grave dangers that accompany their service. “Kayo ang nasa panganib buhay. Kaya ngayong araw na ‘to, kayo po ‘yung dapat pasalamatan. Palakpakan po natin ang ating mga bumbero. Maraming salamat po sa inyo,” he said.
The legislator emphasized that firefighters must be supported with the right tools and enough capabilities and protection to carry out their duties effectively. “It is high time na magkaroon kayo ng mga maayos na kagamitan at additional personnel,” he asserted.
Go spoke openly about the pain he felt for families ravaged by fires across the country, underscoring that such moments are more than a crisis of loss — they test the resilience and solidarity of the nation. “Para sa akin po, naaawa talaga ako sa mga nasunugan. Magtulungan po tayo para sa bayan, para sa mga kababayan natin,” he said, recalling moments when he and former President Rodrigo Duterte responded to devastating fires.
“Ito ‘yung mga panahon na malungkot ang mga kababayan natin. Na walang‑wala sila, back to zero. Back to zero sila na, ubos ‘yung gamit. Pero ang parati kong sinasabi sa kanila, ‘Yung gamit po, ‘yan nabibili. ‘Yung gamit, nalalabhan, ‘yung pera, kikitain. Subalit ‘yung pera, kikitain na hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Importante po, buhay tayo,” he added.
For Go, it is this conviction that defines the heart and heroism of the nation’s firefighters. Their service goes far beyond equipment and training, reaching into the very core of their sacrifice.
“Magtulungan lang tayo… kayo po… ‘yung nagre‑rescue sa ating mga kababayan na nasunugan at kayo po ‘yung nasasakripisyo ang buhay,” he said, honoring the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to save others.
He saluted the profound service of the new graduates, reminding them, “You risk your lives so others will be saved… More than skill, that takes heart.”
The senator then connected this theme of sacrifice and heroism to concrete measures he has long advocated throughout his legislative career. These included doubling the salaries of entry‑level personnel across the police, fire, and other uniformed services — implemented in 2018 — a policy that was promised and delivered by former president Duterte and remains vital to this day.
He also cited key legislation he championed, underscoring its role in strengthening the capabilities and legal protection of firefighters and other uniformed personnel. “Isinulong po natin ang Republic Act No. 11589 o ang Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act. Ako po ang principal author at co‑sponsor ng batas na ‘to sa Senado,” he said.
“Layunin nito na palakasin ang kakayahan n’yo — mula sa kagamitan, training, hanggang deployment — para mas epektibo kayong makapagsagip ng buhay. The law also mandates the BFP to conduct fire prevention campaigns in fire‑prone communities,” he added.
He also pointed out that he is the principal author of RA 12177, or the Free Legal Assistance to Military and Other Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Act, which guarantees legal aid for MUP facing charges related to their official duties.
He added that he is one of the authors of RA 11549, which lowered the minimum height requirement for the BFP and other agencies, making service more accessible to more Filipinos.
Go further spoke about making medical care more accessible across the archipelago. “Kasi sa buong Pilipinas, maraming lugar ang walang sariling ospital dahil ‘di kaya sa mga maliliit na munisipyo. Alam n’yo po ‘yon. Ang iba sa inyo ay (galing) sa Visayas, Mindanao, sa mga bundok. Ang lalayo ng lugar. Ang iba sa inyo sa Mountain Province… Ngayon, may Super Health Center na rin,” he explained.
He elaborated that Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, making a vital contribution to the country’s healthcare sector — especially in underserved communities.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding has been secured to establish more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
He also emphasized the role of Malasakit Centers in making medical services more accessible, highlighting that he is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers have been established across the country, providing aid to patients in need. The DOH reports that the program has already assisted over 17 million Filipinos.
Finally, Go reaffirmed his role as principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH hospitals across the country.
He concluded his message with a reminder about the brevity and urgency of life — a call for service rooted in compassion and purpose. “At bago ko po tapusin ang mensaheng ‘to, gusto ko lang po ipabaon sa inyo ang isang bagay na laging baon sa puso ko.”
“Tandaan po natin: isang beses lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ‘to. Kung ano po ang kabutihan o tulong ang puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon. ‘Di na po tayo babalik sa mundong ‘to. At ako po ‘yung naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Panginoon,” he concluded.