Sen. Bong Go regales fire victims in Quezon City with various anecdotes.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go brought relief on Monday to more than 80 families affected by twin fire incidents in Barangay Old Capitol Site in Quezon City.

The victims received financial assistance and grocery packs while children will continue attending classes as Go provided uniforms and school supplies.

Representatives from government agencies, including the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Health and Trade and Industry, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and National Housing Authority, joined Go in order to assist the victims further.

“I asked them to contribute to help the families get by,” Go said during the gathering conducted at the barangay hall compound.

At the same time, Go pushed for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as contained in his Senate Bill Nos. 204 and 205 (creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience).

“I filed the BFP Modernization bill to equip firemen and help prevent fire while the Department of Disaster Resilience bill will modernize evacuation centers,” Go said.

Part of the BFP modernization plan is to improve the equipment and the capabilities of firefighters.

“Firefighters should be able to penetrate even alleys and respond quickly to fire incidents to save lives and properties,” said Go.

Go likewise saw the need for habitable evacuation centers, complete with sanitation and sleeping facilities.

“I pity fire victims who have to make do with inhumane conditions in evacuation centers that have no or dilapidated comfort rooms and no sleeping areas while they await return to their homes,” Go said.

Four houses sheltering a total of 10 families were razed in Rosal Street on Friday while another 40 houses composed of 80 families were burnt to the ground in Masaya Street two days later. A total of 274 individuals were displaced.