SEN. Bong Go personally led the relief operation Tuesday for fire victims in Barangay Tangos South in Navotas City.
A fire struck the community on May 14.
Go told families who lost their loved ones to remain hopeful despite the tragedy.
“I always go visit fire victims to sympathize with them. Let us pray for the victims. It hurts me when someone gets hurt, when someone dies,” Go said in Filipino. “That’s why I’m here to bring a little help during your time of mourning.” He added that while material possessions can be replaced, lives lost can never be recovered.
Before the aid distribution, Go joined Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and barangay officials in inspecting the area where the fire reportedly started to assess the extent of the damage and the needs of affected residents.
The relief effort, conducted in coordination with local officials, benefited 45 affected families who received grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, water containers, shirts, and basketballs. Financial assistance was also distributed, while selected beneficiaries received additional items such as shoes, a bicycle, and a mobile phone.
Authorities recorded four fatalities in the incident.
Go emphasized the need to strengthen disaster preparedness and response systems nationwide.
He said Republic Act (RA) 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, mandates the construction of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities, while RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, aims to improve firefighters’ operational readiness through upgraded equipment, enhanced training, and stronger institutional support.
“As long as we live, let’s not lose hope. Just keep going. We believe that service to people is service to God,” Go said.
