Bong Go emphasizes importance of enhanced fire prevention campaigns as his Malasakit Team aids fire victims in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur

Highlighting the importance of fire prevention and safety campaigns, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go deployed his Malasakit Team to help fire victims in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, on Wednesday, May 8. 

In a video message, Senator Go reiterated that the government continues to enhance its fire prevention efforts and safety awareness as the Bureau of Fire Protection undergoes a ten-year modernization program following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589.

RA 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, was primarily authored and co-sponsored by Go. Under this law, the bureau must undergo a modernization program that includes procuring new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized training for firefighters.

It also directs the agency to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units.

Go’s Malasakit Team distributed immediate aid, such as financial assistance, snacks, water containers, grocery packs, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 20 fire-hit households gathered at Saguiaran Municipal Hall. They also provided select recipients with a watch, a mobile phone, and shoes. 

“Alam kong mahirap ang masunugan pero ayaw kong mawalan kayo ng pag-asa. Tandaan ninyo, ang gamit mabibili natin, magsumikap lang tayo. Ang pera kikitain natin ‘yan, magsipag lang tayong magtrabaho. Pero ang pera na kikitain natin, hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-iingat tayo palagi,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassion for the poor.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged the residents to reach out to any of the 164 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the one at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

Malasakit Centers are mandated to assist with patients' medical expenses through the available government medical assistance programs. The Department of Health reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than ten million Filipinos.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go. 

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