SEN. Bong Go underscored the need to strengthen both disaster recovery and fire preparedness as his team distributed assistance to families displaced by a recent fire in Malabon City.During the relief activity on July 13, Go, in a video message, highlighted the importance of saving lives and assisting communities as they recover from disasters.”The life and health of every Filipino are important to me. As I said, we can buy goods, and we can earn money if we work hard. But life cannot be bought. Our lives are important, and Filipinos are known for helping each other,” Go said.The relief initiative was conducted along Samson Street in Barangay Baritan, where 25 fire-affected families received various forms of assistance.
Beneficiaries were provided with financial aid, grocery packs, water containers, snacks, vitamins, shirts, pens, and balls, while selected recipients also received pairs of shoes.Go said that relief efforts should be complemented by long-term investments in disaster preparedness, citing the importance of building resilient communities capable of responding to emergencies.He highlighted 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 nationwide to ensure safer shelter for families affected by disasters and other emergencies.The senator also cited RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which aims to strengthen the country’s firefighting capabilities through the acquisition of modern equipment, enhanced personnel training, and improved institutional support for the Bureau of Fire Protection.Go said these measures form part of broader efforts to improve the country’s disaster response system and reduce the risks posed by fire and other calamities.
