BONG GO AIDS FIRE VICTIMS IN PARAÑAQUE CITY; ASSURES THEM OF CONTINUED SUPPORT AMID PANDEMIC

In line with his commitment to support vulnerable communities and provide relief where it is most needed, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s outreach team held an activity in Parañaque City on Tuesday, October 5, for 23 families who were displaced by a recent fire incident on October 2.

The team distributed meals, food packs, vitamins, masks, and face shields at the Sto. Niño Chapel, Barangay Sun Valley. They also provided each family with financial assistance to help them recover from the unfortunate incident. “Alam kong hirap kayong lahat ngayon dahil sa pandemya tapos nawalan pa kayo ng bahay dahil sa nangyaring sunog,” Go began in a video message. “Gusto ko ipaalam sa inyo na nandito kami at ang gobyerno na nagmamalasakit at nagseserbisyo sa inyo. Handa kaming tumulong, lalo na sa panahon ngayon na lahat ay naghihirap,” he added. Go vowed to push for Senate Bill No. 1228 which aims to establish an evacuation center in every municipality, city, and province to ensure that affected families have access to safe and decent shelter and the amenities they need in times of emergency. “Alam ko po na masakit at mahirap ang masunugan ng bahay, importante kumpleto kayo at walang nasaktan sa sunog. Ang gamit naman po ay mabibili, kayang kitain, pero ang buhay, hindi po ‘yan kayang mapalitan. Importante ligtas kayo,” said Go.

“Kahit nasa evacuation center ay dapat mag-practice pa rin po kayo ng social

distancing upang hindi magkahawaan ng sakit sa inyong lugar,” he added.

Filed in 2019 by the Senator, the proposed measure sets minimum requirements for every evacuation center, such as its location, amenities, and operation. The senator also thanked firefighters for the work they continue to do in communities across Metro Manila. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their welfare which was demonstrated with the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.

The law, which Go principally authored and co-sponsored in the Senate, aims to enhance the BFP’s firefighting and rescue capabilities over a tenyear period by expanding its manpower, procuring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training programs for firefighters, among others. “Ako mismo ay saksi sa hinagpis na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan na biktima ng mga sunog. Buwan-buwan, ilang insidente ng sunog ang aking binibisita sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa upang makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan nating nabiktima nito,” said Go.

“Kaya nag-file ako ng bill sa Senado to enhance our fire protection services and hire more personnel who are willing to dedicate their lives to ensure the safety of our communities. Dapat paghandaan natin ang anumang krisis o sakuna. Bukod sa pagiging laging handa, dapat rin maging informed ang mga Pilipino kung papaano maiiwasan ang mga insidente tulad ng sunog,” he continued.

As part of the government’s response to the fire incident, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development also handed out additional financial assistance in a separate distribution. The National Housing Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry, in turn, assessed potential beneficiaries for their housing and livelihood assistance programs, respectively. The Department of Health also distributed vitamins and medicines.

Go also encouraged family members to prioritize their health and offered assistance so that they can get treated for injuries and other medical concerns. He informed them that they may obtain further aid from the government through the Malasakit Center located at the Ospital ng Parañaque. The center is a onestop shop which brings together under one roof the agencies from which patients may seek medical assistance, namely the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The Malasakit Centers have assisted over three million particularly poor and indigent patients since Go launched the program in Cebu City in 2018. There are currently 142 Malasakit Centers established nationwide.

a couple who lost their youngest child in the fire, recounted how the incident started.

“Parehas kami ng asawa ko wala. Nasa trabaho kami. Naiwan ang aming tatlong anak sa kwarto. Short circuit daw po ang nangyari. Sa kasamaang palad, naiwan po ang anak kong bunso sa loob. ‘Yun po ang naging sanhi ng pagkamatay n’ya — suffocation po,” Mafe said.

While grieving, she said that her family are trying to cope with and move on from tragedy so they can start their lives anew. She also requested further assistance from Go and the government and thanked them for the support they already received.

“Ngayon po, nagpapalakas po kami. Kailangan lumaban para magpatuloy sa buhay. ‘Di natin alam ang plano ng Diyos sa atin. Nagpapasalamat pa rin po kami, alam ko kasama na ng anak ko ang Diyos, isa na siyang anghel ngayon. Patuloy po kaming lumalaban kase dapat at kailangan. Mayroon pa kaming dalawang anak na kailangan suportahan,” she said.

“Sana po Senator Bong Go matulungan n’yo kami sa pagpapatayo ng aming tahanan. Wala po kaming kakayanang pinansiyal para makapagpatayo ng bahay namin. Mabigyan din po sana kami ng pagsimula po, negosyo o anuman po na maaari ninyong maitulong sa amin. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat na nagbigay ng tulong, sa DSWD, kay Senator Bong Go. Malaking tulong po ito para sa pagtayo namin ulit sa panibagong bukas,” added Mafe.

Meanwhile, the senator then thanked the local officials and volunteers led by Representative Joy Tambunting, Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Vice Mayor Rico Golez, and the barangay officials for their quick response to the incident.

As the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported the construction of multi-purpose buildings in several barangays and the acquisition of an ambulance unit to further boost economic development and improve the delivery of basic services in Parañaque City.

“Tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao, sa ating kapwa Pilipino ay gawin na po natin ngayon,” Go ended.

Bong Go