March is one of the warmest months in the Philippines. It is also the month when a spike in the number of fire incidents across our country is usually recorded, based on data from the Bureau of Fire Protection. Our observance of Fire Prevention Month every March is thus a perfect time to ramp up public awareness on fire safety and preparedness.
Time and again, we have seen how faulty electrical wiring or even a single negligent act like leaving an open flame unattended can cause a spark that can then spread and raze not just a single house but an entire neighborhood.
I personally have met many of our unfortunate fellow Filipinos who, seemingly in a blink of an eye, have lost their houses and all the properties that took them years of hard work to buy just because of a single fire incident. Worse, some have even lost their loved ones to the fire.
Thus, as much as I can, I continue going around the country to personally check on the situation of our fire victims and provide assistance to help them recover and bring them a small reason to smile even amid their darkest times. I cannot stand living comfortably when our kababayans need our immediate help and utmost attention.
Just last 2 March, I was with my friend and fellow senator Robinhood Padilla in Davao City to distribute aid to 978 residents who were affected by separate fire incidents in Barangays 21-C and 22-C. On separate dates, my outreach teams also provided assistance to 39 fire victims and 96 more in Parañaque City and Muntinlupa City, respectively.
Equally important, if not more so, is our continuous efforts to push for stronger fire safety initiatives. I have earlier principally authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act of 2021 to improve the agency’s capability to better respond to fire incidents.
BFP spokesperson Supt. Annalee Atienza recently said that the bureau’s modernization under the Act would help address the gap in the fireman-to-population ratio, especially as there are still areas in our country that do not have fire trucks or activated fire stations.
As provided for by law, the BFP is undergoing a 10-year modernization program that includes acquiring modern fire equipment, hiring additional personnel and providing specialized training for firefighters, among others. The bureau is also mandated to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, particularly in informal settlements and economically depressed areas.
Other than the fire victims, many of our vulnerable sectors likewise need much-needed assistance. Last week, I was able to personally lead the distributions for 500 indigents in Pangantucan, Bukidnon; 704 flood victims in Davao City; and 1,000 solo parents and persons with disabilities in Mendez, Cavite. Simultaneously, my office aided 33 indigents in Plaridel, Bulacan; 33 in Camiling, Tarlac; another 33 in Limay, Bataan; 150 in Biñan City, Laguna; 500 in Magallanes, Cavite; and 200 more in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
We also did not let up in our efforts for other advocacies like health and infrastructure development. On 3 March, I personally witnessed the groundbreaking of the Pangantucan Super Health Center in Bukidnon. Other SHCs also had their groundbreaking on different dates including in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte and in Magallanes, Cavite. Such centers are strategically located to provide more of our fellow Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas, easier access to basic health services. Through our initiative and with the support of our fellow lawmakers, 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and at least 322 more in 2023.
Moreover, I was able to personally acknowledge the sacrifices of our health workers as I attended the 40th Anniversary of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute and its Service Recognition Award Ceremony last 28 February. While in NKTI, I likewise visited the Malasakit Center inside the hospital to get an up-close look at the patients’ needs and find ways to improve the center’s services further.
I also joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of an evacuation center and a road concreting project from Purok Farmville to Purok 36 Seabreeze/Kobbler Federation in Barangay Ilang, Davao City last week. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, I am committed to continuing to help fund infrastructure projects that would help us create more adaptive and disaster-resilient communities and ensure faster public service delivery.
Likewise, I was able to address our local leaders during the Provincial Board Members League’s 31st National Convention and Election of National Officers on 27 February and the Newly-Elected Officials Orientation Course for the local leaders of the Cordillera Administrative Region Chapter on 2 March, wherein I encouraged them to always prioritize the poor, helpless and hopeless while committing themselves to serve the Filipino people.
During these engagements, I continue to assure Filipinos that as much as I can and to the best of my abilities, I will always be ready to serve their communities and help our constituents, especially in times of crisis.
Amid all the challenges we face today, let us always prioritize our health and well-being. Things once lost may be bought again, damaged properties can be rebuilt again, and money once spent can be earned again, but a life once lost is lost forever. So let us all take better care of each other.
I urge everyone to be extra cautious against fire hazards, vigilant against health risks around us, and be more prepared against calamities that may come our way. Together, let us protect not only ourselves but also our neighbors as we build a safer and more resilient community for our children.