VALENZUELA CITY — Sen. Bong Go extended assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Barangay Bagbaguin and Gen. T. de Leon, reiterating the importance of protecting lives and strengthening disaster response mechanisms.
The relief effort, conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 25, was spearheaded by Go’s team in coordination with local officials, including Bagbaguin Barangay Captain Abi dela Cuesta and Gen. T. de Leon Barangay Captain Bong Ferrer.
A total of 51 families displaced by the blaze received snacks, vitamins, water containers, grocery packs, shirts, pens and electric fans.
In a message delivered in Filipino, Go emphasized that the safety and well-being of affected residents remain the top priority during calamities.
“When there are incidents like fires, earthquakes, or floods, what I always ask is if there are any injuries,” Go said. “We can buy things; you can earn money if we work hard, but the money you earn cannot buy life. A lost life is a lost life forever. Our lives are important, and Filipinos are known for helping each other.”
Local authorities have yet to release a final report on the cause of the fire and the estimated damage to property. No fatalities were reported as of posting, according to initial community accounts.
Strengthening fire response
Go underscored the importance of Republic Act (RA) 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
The law mandates a comprehensive 10-year modernization program for the Bureau of Fire Protection, aimed at enhancing fire response capabilities nationwide.
The program includes increased recruitment of firefighters, procurement of modern fire trucks and equipment, and specialized training to improve emergency response efficiency.
Go said the modernization initiative is intended to help ensure faster and more effective responses to fires and other emergencies, particularly in densely populated urban communities vulnerable to such incidents.
Complementing the BFP modernization program is RA 12076, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which was signed into law on Dec. 6, 2024.
The measure mandates the establishment of permanent, safe and fully equipped evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities across the country.
As principal author and co-sponsor, Go has said the law aims to safeguard the dignity and welfare of disaster-affected families while speeding up recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The senator stressed that having dedicated evacuation facilities would prevent displaced residents from staying in makeshift shelters or overcrowded public spaces such as schools and gyms.
Go concluded his message by reaffirming his commitment to public service.
“We will continue to serve you because it is my habit to serve and I believe that service to people is service to God,” he said.
The recent fire in Valenzuela adds to a series of urban fire incidents recorded in Metro Manila in recent months, highlighting the continuing need for strengthened prevention, preparedness, and response measures at both local and national levels.
