SEN. Bong Go personally extended assistance to families displaced by a fire that struck Barangay North Bay Boulevard South proper in Navotas City on Jan. 20, delivering messages of hope and government support during a relief activity held on Jan. 22.
Speaking to displaced residents, Go emphasized resilience amid adversity, reminding families that while material losses can be replaced, human lives are irreplaceable.
Before the aid distribution, the senator inspected the fire-hit area with Navotas City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco and visited the site where the blaze reportedly started to assess the extent of damage and better understand the community’s immediate needs.
During the visit, Go met fire victim Benvienido Duran, a native of Santander, Cebu, who sustained injuries. After hearing his account and seeing his wound, the senator offered assistance for his medical treatment and personally gave him a pair of shoes. Javier Joe Ismael Go also spoke with Nelba Gavisan, another fire victim who is battling colon and ovarian cancer, and expressed his commitment to help secure medical support for her treatment.
The relief operation was carried out in coordination with local officials, including Mayor Tiangco, Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez, and City Councilors Clint Geronimo, Lance Santiago and Migi Naval. Go also acknowledged the support of Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco.
Through the senator’s team, affected families received food packs, snacks, vitamins, water containers, shirts, electric fans, fruits, and children’s toys. Financial assistance was also distributed, while several beneficiaries received additional items, including shoes, a bicycle, and a mobile phone.
Go emphasized the need for long-term and sustainable disaster preparedness measures, citing Republic Act 12076 (the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act), which he principally authored and co-sponsored, mandating the construction of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities nationwide.
Go also called for greater accountability in public spending, lamenting the misuse of funds intended for flood control projects, which he said could have been used to build hospitals, health centers, schools and evacuation facilities.
He called for unity among political leaders, stressing that political divisions only delay much-needed assistance for vulnerable Filipinos.
The senator further highlighted RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law aims to enhance firefighters’ operational capability through modern equipment, improved training, and strengthened institutional support.
