Bong Go reaches out to fire-hit families in Roxas City, extends assistance and renews push for disaster resilience

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reached out through a video call to fire-affected families in Barangay 8, Roxas City, Capiz, on Monday, August 17, as his Malasakit Team provided assistance to support residents recovering from the incident.

Through the relief activity, Go expressed solidarity with the affected residents and assured them that his office remains ready to extend assistance to communities facing emergencies and other difficult circumstances.

His team distributed financial assistance and additional aid, including grocery packs, vitamins, shirts, pens, and snacks. Select beneficiaries also received shoes and a mobile phone, while basketballs and volleyballs were provided to encourage recreational activities in the community.

The fire occurred on July 25 and affected 16 families in the barangay.

Go has consistently emphasized that government assistance following disasters must go hand in hand with stronger preparedness, safer evacuation facilities, and sustained investment in the country's emergency response capabilities.

He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent evacuation centers designed to provide safer and more suitable temporary shelter for Filipinos displaced by disasters and emergencies.

Under the law, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council determines priority areas, the Department of Public Works and Highways is tasked with construction, and local government units are responsible for operating and maintaining the facilities.

Go also filed Senate Bill No. 173, which seeks to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience to strengthen coordination and improve the government's capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from calamities.

He likewise filed SBN 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy bill, which seeks to provide rental assistance to qualified informal settler families and victims of disasters who need temporary housing.

Recognizing the risks faced by personnel responding to calamities, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 669, which proposes hazard pay for disaster response personnel.

The senator has also pushed for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection as part of efforts to strengthen fire prevention and emergency response nationwide.

Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of RA 11589, or the BFP Modernization Act, which provides for the acquisition of modern fire equipment, expansion of the bureau's manpower, and specialized training for firefighters, among other improvements.

For Go, preventing loss of life and property requires sustained investments in both infrastructure and the personnel who respond when disasters strike.

Go reiterated his commitment to helping disaster-stricken communities recover while continuing to pursue measures that improve the country's readiness for future emergencies and protect vulnerable Filipino families.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.

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