SEN. Bong Go renewed his call for stronger fire prevention and disaster resilience measures as he extended assistance to families displaced by a recent fire in Barangay 145, Caloocan City.
Go said government efforts should not stop at relief distribution but must also focus on preparedness, rapid response and long-term recovery for affected families.
During a relief operation conducted on May 26 in coordination with Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan, Go's team provided aid to 50 families.
They received financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, water containers, electric fans, shirts and recreational items for children. Selected recipients received shoes and mobile phones.
“I will help you wherever you are in the Philippines, as long as my body and time allow, I will go to you,” Go said in Filipino in a video call with residents.
The senator emphasized the need to strengthen the country's fire response capabilities, particularly in densely populated urban communities where fires can quickly destroy homes and livelihoods.
Go highlighted Republic Act 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law seeks to improve the Bureau of Fire Protection's operational capacity over 10 years by acquiring modern equipment, recruiting additional personnel and enhancing training programs.
He also reiterated his support for Senate Bill 415, which proposes a Rental Housing Subsidy Program to provide temporary shelter assistance to families displaced by disasters as they work toward permanent housing solutions.
