SEN. Bong Go extended financial and relief assistance to 118 families affected by a fire in Barangay 51, Pasay City, calling for stronger disaster preparedness and continued support for communities recovering from calamities.
Go personally visited the fire victims at the Barangay 54 Gym on Aug. 19, four days after the blaze displaced residents. His Malasakit Team coordinated with local officials and community partners to provide immediate assistance to the affected families.
The beneficiaries received financial aid, grocery packs, vitamins, water containers, shirts, pens, snacks, basketballs and volleyballs for children and young people in the community.
Go thanked Rep. Toni Calixto, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Vice Mayor Mark Calixto, Barangay 51 officials led by barangay captain Raphael Ramos, social welfare personnel, volunteers and other partners aiding affected residents.
“I love you very much here in Pasay. You know, you made me number one here in Pasay. I will work. I will serve you to the best of my ability,” Go told residents.
Beyond immediate relief, Go stressed the need for sustained government investment in fire prevention, disaster preparedness, emergency response and post-disaster recovery.
He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which seeks to modernize firefighting equipment, manpower and specialized training for firefighters.
Go also principally authored and co-sponsored RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent evacuation centers nationwide.
He has likewise filed Senate Bill 173, seeking to create a Department of Disaster Resilience to provide a dedicated government structure for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response and recovery.
During his interaction with residents, Go also called on parents and communities to pay greater attention to the welfare of young Filipinos, particularly amid recent incidents of violence involving students.
He cited the Aug. 18 shooting at a school affiliated with Ateneo de Zamboanga University, which remains under investigation, and stressed that the circumstances and motive behind the incident should not be prejudged.
Go said mental health concerns among young people deserve sustained attention from families, schools, communities and government, while cautioning against attributing the Zamboanga incident to mental health, bullying or any other specific factor before authorities complete their investigation.
The Department of Education has coordinated psychological first aid and psychosocial support for those affected by the incident.
Go encouraged young people to engage in sports and other productive activities, saying these can help develop discipline, teamwork and confidence while providing constructive alternatives to harmful vices.
The senator brought sports equipment to the Pasay beneficiaries and cited the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, established under RA 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored, as an example of efforts to combine athletic development with education.
He said the achievements of Filipino athletes should inspire young people to pursue their talents and contribute positively to their communities.
Returning to the plight of the fire victims, Go emphasized that the assistance was intended to help families meet immediate needs as they begin rebuilding their lives.
“Whatever good or help we can do for our fellow man, let’s do it now because we will not return to this world,” he said.
