SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go has called for stronger fire prevention measures, including more firefighting equipment, additional personnel and regular public safety campaigns, warning that a blaze in one house can put an entire neighborhood at risk.
During his recent visit to fire-affected families in Barangay 75-A Matina Aplaya, Davao City, Go said the government must strengthen the capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and intensify community education to prevent fires and minimize their impact on neighboring households.
“People must really be taught to take precautions because whenever one house catches fire, the neighbors are affected, too,” Go said.
“We cannot always predict what life will bring. We may encounter misfortune and suffer a house fire. That is why, as one of the authors of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act in the Senate, we are pushing for additional firefighting equipment, more personnel, and monthly public education campaigns,” he said.
Go’s visit came three days after a fire struck the community on Oct. 25. Together with his Malasakit Team, he provided 42 families with financial assistance, water containers, grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts, and basketballs and volleyballs.
The senator has pushed for legislative measures aimed at strengthening fire prevention, emergency preparedness and disaster response, particularly by improving the capabilities of frontline responders and providing communities with better protection during emergencies.
Among them is RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
Go also cited RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, signed into law on Dec. 6, 2024. As principal author and co-sponsor, he helped advance the measure requiring the establishment of permanent, safe and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
