Bong Go’s team continues relief activities for fire victims in Metro Manila

Bong Go’s team continues relief activities for fire victims in Metro Manila, assists nearly one hundred displaced families in Taguig and Muntinlupa.

The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended aid to 91 families who were rendered homeless after separate fires broke out in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City and Brgy. Tuktukan, Taguig City last February 27 and March 7, respectively.

“Sana po’y nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Nabalitaan ko na nasunugan kayo kaya mayroon akong mga ipinadala na kaunting tulong diyan. Kung may maitutulong pa kami ni Pangulong [Rodrigo] Duterte, sabihan niyo lang kami at sa abot ng aming makakaya, tutulungan namin kayo,” Go reassured during a video call.
The relief activities were conducted at the Cupang Covered Court in Muntinlupa and in Tuktukan Barangay Hall in Taguig, in partnership with several government agencies, on Wednesday, March 10.

The Senator’s staff provided each family with cash assistance, food packs and meals. They also gave vitamins, masks and face shields so members can stay healthy while following the government-recommended health and safety protocols.
Selected beneficiaries were given new shoes while those facing difficulties in their daily commute received bicycles. Others were provided computer tablets to help their children with their educational activities under the blended learning set-up.

Go, in his message, reiterated his commitment to push for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection in order to improve its capabilities in helping prevent fire-related accidents and injuries.
He principally authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1832 which mandates the BFP to implement a modernization program, the components of which will include the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of more firefighters, and provision of specialized training, among others.

The proposed measure also directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention information drives in every local government unit, particularly in informal settlements and economically depressed areas.
“Kaya ko isinusulong ‘yung Fire Modernization bill para ma-modernize ang mga kagamitan ng ating bumbero. May information drives din ang nasabing batas kung saan tuturuan ang mga residente kung ano ang gagawin para makaiwas sa sunog at kung anong gagawin kung may sunog,” explained Go.

The Senate passed SBN 1832 on the third and final reading last Monday, March 8 with unanimous favorable votes.
In addition to the mentioned assistance, the Senator further offered to help any beneficiaries who cannot afford medical care. He also advised them to avail aid from the government through the Malasakit Centers located at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City and Taguig-Pateros District Hospital in Taguig City.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office.

“Ako po’y taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa kabutihan ninyo, Senator Bong Go, at sa pagpupursigi ninyo na maisaayos ang mga nangangailangan. Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa ating mahal na Pangulo. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang inyong pagkalinga. Hangad ko ang kalusugan ninyo,” said Arnaldo Concepcion, a beneficiary from Brgy. Cupang.

“Salamat kay Senator Bong Go kasi kahit noong tumatakbo palang siya, marami na siyang naiibigay na tulong. Isa ‘yung anak ko na sumuporta sa kanya sa association nila sa [Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association]. Gusto ko sanang humingi ng tulong para sa pagpapatayo ng aming bahay,” continued Erlinda Bautista, another beneficiary.
As part of the national government’s efforts to assist those in crisis situations, the DSWD also participated in the activity and distributed separate cash assistance to each household. The Department of Trade and Industry and National Housing Authority, on the other hand, conducted an assessment of beneficiaries seeking livelihood and housing assistance, respectively.

The Senator, in his message, went on to thank Cupang Punong Barangay Rainier Bulos, Tuktukan Punong Barangay Sulanie Ulanday and other local officials for their untiring service and continuing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.

“Magpalakas tayo ng katawan at resistensya. Sumunod tayo sa gobyerno at gamitin natin ang mga masks at face shields, mag-social distancing at maghugas ng kamay dahil delikado pa ang panahon ngayon. Ang pag-iingat at kooperasyon ninyo, ang inyong pagmamalasakit sa kapwa, ay malaking parte ng ating bayanihan efforts upang malampasan ang pagsubok na ito,” Go reminded everyone.