SEN. Bong Go, through his outreach team, has extended assistance to families affected by a recent fire in Barangay 51, Pasay City, and renewed his calls for the full implementation of laws mandating disaster response improvement and protecting displaced communities.
Go’s outreach team conducted the relief distribution on Tuesday at the Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School, where 30 fire-hit families received financial aid, grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts, playballs for children, and water containers. The intervention is part of Go’s public service initiatives for disaster victims across the country.
During the distribution, Go reiterated the importance of Republic Act (RA) 12076 (the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act), which mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide. As the principal author and co-sponsor of the law, the senator has consistently emphasized that established evacuation facilities are essential for protecting the dignity, safety, and health of families displaced by disasters, while also facilitating quicker recovery.
Evacuation centers construction
In a videoconference call with beneficiaries, Go urged government agencies and local government units to prioritize the construction of evacuation centers, noting that the measure is already mandated by law. He criticized the misuse of public funds and emphasized that resources should be directed toward facilities that directly protect lives during emergencies.
Likewise, the senator highlighted RA 11589 (the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act), which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law provides for a 10-year modernization program for the BFP, including the hiring of additional firefighters, procurement of modern fire trucks and equipment, and improved training to strengthen fire prevention and response capabilities nationwide.
Go further reiterated his support for Senate Bill (SB) 415 (the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program), which he refiled in the 20th Congress. The measure seeks to provide temporary rental assistance to families displaced by disasters, allowing them to live in safe conditions while they work to secure permanent housing.
Addressing the affected residents, Go reminded them to prioritize safety and health over material losses. He emphasized that while property and income can be regained, lives cannot be replaced.
The Pasay fire assistance comes amid continued concerns over urban fire incidents, particularly in densely populated communities, underscoring the need for stronger disaster preparedness, adequate evacuation facilities, and modernized fire services.
Go concluded by encouraging collective action and compassion, calling on both government and citizens to extend help to those in need whenever possible.