SEN. Bong Go urged the government to provide fire victims not only immediate aid but also assistance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
“The life and health of every Filipino are important to me. As I said, we can buy things, we can earn money if we work hard. But life cannot be bought. Our lives are important, and Filipinos are known for working together,” Go said in a statement on Monday as his Malasakit Team distributed aid to 156 vendors displaced by a fire that hit the VGC Bazaar in Valenzuela City.
Go said disasters not only destroy homes and property but also deprive many families of their primary source of income.
The fire victims received grocery packs, snacks, pens, vitamins, basketballs and volleyballs. Selected beneficiaries received shoes, mobile phones, and bicycles.
Go emphasized that livelihood restoration should be a key component of post-disaster assistance, particularly for owners of small businesses.
He called for stronger disaster preparedness and fire prevention measures, saying proactive efforts are essential to protecting lives, properties and livelihoods from future incidents.
“My office is always open to you,” Go said.
Go is a co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act 11960, or the One Town, One Product Philippines Act, which institutionalizes government support for locally produced goods through product development, innovation, marketing and expanded market access for micro, small and medium enterprises and community-based businesses.
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