Sen. Bong Go continues to push for intensified fire safety and preparedness efforts as his team conducted a two-day relief effort for fire victims from the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu; and Alcantara town on 18 and 19 November.
In his video message, Go appealed to the local government units to further strengthen the fire prevention campaigns in their respective communities to better protect their constituents from similar incidents.
“Nakakalungkot man po na masunugan dahil para po kayong bumalik sa simula, pero mas importante po ang buhay ng bawat isa. Ang gamit po ay nabibili, pero ang pera na kikitain natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay,” expressed Go.
“Kaya hinihikayat ko rin po ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan na mas lalo pang palakasin ang fire prevention awareness. Karamihan po sa ating mga kababayan ang kulang pa po ang kaalaman sa fire safety kaya mas mabuti po na ibahagi natin ito sa kanila para maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari,” he noted.
For his part, Go primarily authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act to improve the capability of the agency to address fire-related incidents.
Under the Act, BFP is undergoing a ten-year modernization program that includes procuring of new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized trainings for firefighters.
In partnership with Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units, the bureau is likewise conducting monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives, particularly in far-flung areas.
Held at the respective City Social Welfare and Development Offices of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs in Alcantara, Brgy. Bolinawan Hall in Carcar City, and Brgy. Talamban Hall in Cebu City, Go’s team distributed grocery packs, vitamins, masks, shirts, umbrellas, snacks and balls for basketball and volleyball to 21 affected families.
To help the fire victims with their basic needs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided each family with financial aid while the National Housing Authority assessed their needs and committed to extend housing assistance.
Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provided livelihood support and scholarship grants respectively, to qualified beneficiaries.