SEN. Bong Go called for stronger disaster preparedness and safer public infrastructure, underscoring the need to help fire victims recover while ensuring communities are better protected from future emergencies.
Go made the call on Wednesday, Aug. 12, while his Malasakit Team was assisting six families displaced by a fire in Barangay Santulan, Malabon City. “The life and health of every Filipino is important to me. As I said, we can buy things; we can earn money if we work hard. But life cannot be bought,” Go said in a message to the affected families. “Our lives are important, and Filipinos are known for working together,” he added, saying government disaster response should not end with relief assistance. He also emphasized that recovery efforts must be matched by prevention, preparedness and resilient infrastructure.Go cited Republic Act (RA) 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law provides for the establishment of permanent and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the country. He said such facilities are intended to provide communities with safer places to evacuate during disasters and other emergencies, including fires, typhoons, earthquakes and other hazards. Go also highlighted RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law seeks to strengthen the country’s firefighting capabilities by modernizing equipment, improving personnel training and enhancing institutional support for the Bureau of Fire Protection. For the Malabon fire victims, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed financial assistance, water containers, snacks, vitamins, shirts and grocery packs during the relief activity held along 396 Custodio Street in Barangay Santulan. Go said his office would remain accessible to Filipinos affected by disasters and other emergencies. “My office is always open for you. As for me, I can’t just sit in my office while you need help,” he said. “Just call me Kuya Bong Go. I will serve to the best of my ability because I have a habit of serving, and I believe that service to people is service to God,” he added. The senator’s appeal comes as fire incidents continue to highlight the vulnerability of densely populated communities, where the loss of homes and personal belongings leaves families in immediate need of food, temporary shelter and financial support. Go said strengthening disaster-resilient facilities and firefighting capabilities, alongside immediate assistance to affected families, is essential to building safer, more prepared communities.
