Bong Go extends assistance to fire-affected families in Baclayon, Bohol; reiterates importance of fire prevention and immediate response

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended assistance to families affected by a fire in Barangay Taguihon, Baclayon, Bohol, on Wednesday, August 5, as he renewed his call for stronger fire prevention measures and timely support for disaster victims.

The fire occurred earlier that day. Go’s team coordinated the distribution of assistance with Councilor Efren Mandin of Loboc representing the senator during the activity.

Go said families displaced by fire deserve immediate attention and assistance while recovering from the loss of shelter and essential belongings.

“Ang pera ay kikitain at ang mga gamit ay mabibili, pero ang buhay na nawala ay hindi na maibabalik. A life lost is lost forever. Kaya sa oras ng sunog, unahin po natin palagi ang buhay at kaligtasan,” Go said.

Go has pursued measures intended to strengthen fire prevention, emergency response, evacuation facilities, and assistance for families displaced by calamities.

He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which provides for the acquisition of modern firefighting vehicles and equipment, the expansion of the BFP workforce, and specialized training for firefighters.

Go is also the principal author and co-sponsor of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and adequately equipped evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide.

He likewise filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a dedicated agency responsible for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation.

To support families who lose their homes during fires and other calamities, Go filed SBN 415, which proposes a rental housing subsidy program for qualified displaced households while they repair their homes or transition to permanent housing.

The two affected families received financial assistance, grocery packs, water containers, snacks, shirts, vitamins, and basketballs or volleyballs.

“Sa oras ng sakuna, walang tulong na maliit para sa pamilyang nawalan ng tahanan at mga gamit. Patuloy po tayong magtutulungan upang makabangon sila sa lalong madaling panahon,” Go concluded.

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