SEN. Bong Go renewed his call for stronger disaster preparedness and emergency response systems after personally leading relief efforts for 450 families affected by a fire in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, on Aug. 6.
Go said the recurring fires and other calamities underscore the need for the government to adopt a more proactive, coordinated and resilient disaster management strategy, with greater emphasis on preparedness before emergencies strike. Upon learning of the fire, Go directed his Malasakit Team to assist not only families whose houses were destroyed but also those whose homes were partially damaged. The senator said immediate and comprehensive government response should be complemented by long-term measures that would strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. He cited Senate Bill 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to create a dedicated department responsible for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, emergency response, recovery and rehabilitation. “I continue to promote the Department of Disaster Resilience. There is no need to rush to ask for help because there is already a department focused on preparation and rapid response,” Go said. “Before the typhoon arrives, there is a preposition of goods; when the typhoon arrives, our countrymen are safe, and when the typhoon leaves, restoration is immediate,” he added. Go said establishing a permanent disaster resilience agency would help ensure that disaster preparedness and response wouldn’t be fragmented among different government offices and would allow the government to maintain a more systematic approach before, during and after calamities. He also pointed to Republic Act (RA) 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality to provide displaced residents with safe and dignified temporary shelter during emergencies. Go stressed that evacuation centers should not merely provide temporary refuge but should also protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and senior citizens, from additional health and safety risks. He recalled discussing the need for clean, safe and adequately equipped evacuation facilities with Pasig City Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, particularly in the aftermath of disasters when displaced families are most vulnerable. The senator also renewed his appeal for greater public vigilance in preventing fires, urging residents to observe safety reminders issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). He particularly warned against illegal electrical connections and urged households to exercise greater caution when cooking, two common fire hazards that can lead to property loss and displacement. Go is also the principal author and co-sponsor of RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which provides for a 10-year modernization program aimed at improving the BFP’s operational capabilities. The law seeks to strengthen the fire bureau by upgrading equipment, adding personnel, enhancing training and expanding nationwide fire prevention programs in coordination with local government units. During the relief activity at the Barangay Kapitolyo Hall, 450 fire-affected families received financial assistance, grocery packs, shirts, vitamins, water containers, snacks, and basketballs and volleyballs from Go and his team. The relief effort was conducted in coordination with Jaworski, city councilor Eric Gonzales, barangay captain Alex Torres and other local officials. Selected beneficiaries also received additional assistance, including bags, shoes, a bicycle, a mobile phone and a watch.Go said his relief efforts are part of his continuing commitment to assist communities affected by fires, typhoons, earthquakes and other disasters across the country. He emphasized that immediate aid remains necessary after calamities, just as government policy must also focus on preventing disasters from becoming humanitarian crises by ensuring that communities are adequately prepared before emergencies occur. “I will continue to serve you because it is my habit to serve, and I believe that service to people is service to God,” Go said.
