SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go called for greater vigilance and stronger fire prevention measures following a recent fire in Pasay City. He visited the fire-affected families in Barangay 178 on Thursday to check the situation on the ground. Go expressed concern over the loss of life, including a pet dog, while reminding communities of the importance of preventing fires and protecting both human and animal lives.
The senator said every life lost in a fire is an irreversible tragedy, underscoring the need for communities to remain cautious and proactive in preventing fire incidents before they happen.
“A lost life is a lost life forever,” Go said. “Let us pray and help one another.” He said that while the government must continue strengthening the country’s firefighting capabilities, fire safety must also begin at the community level through awareness, preparedness, and responsible practices.
Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which provides for modern firefighting equipment, additional BFP manpower, and specialized training to improve the country’s fire response capabilities.
He stressed that modern equipment and well-trained firefighters must be complemented by greater public awareness of fire prevention.
Go has also pushed broader disaster resilience measures. He principally authored and co-sponsored RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent evacuation centers nationwide to provide safer and more resilient facilities for communities during disasters.
He also filed Senate Bill 173, which seeks to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience to strengthen the government’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other emergencies.
The fire, which occurred on Sept. 7, displaced 29 families. Go’s Malasakit Team coordinated with local officials and community partners to provide immediate assistance to the affected families during a relief activity held at the Barangay 178 Gym.
Go and his Malasakit Team distributed financial assistance, grocery packs, meals, vitamins, water containers, shirts, pens, bags, and pickleballs. Selected beneficiaries also received bicycles, watches, and shoes.
Go thanked Rep. Toni Calixto, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Vice Mayor Mark Calixto, Councilor Ian Vendivel, Barangay Captain Virgilio Mabag, volunteers, and other partners for their assistance to the affected families.
