Sen. Bong Go personally visited and provided assistance on Tuesday, 4 October, to hundreds of families whose houses were damaged by separate fire incidents in Cagayan de Oro City.

Acknowledging the hardships of the 381 affected households, the senator reassured that he will continue to provide support, to the best of his capacity, to uplift the lives of those distressed by the disaster and other crisis situations.

"Mga kababayan, sa mga nasunugan, mayroon lang akong sasabihin sa inyo, wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit mabibili natin yan kung magtutulungan lang tayo (at) nandito (lang) kami. Ang pera kikitain niyo yan, magsumikap lang tayo, pero ang perang kikitain hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Habang nabubuhay tayo, wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa," Go encouraged in his speech.

As part of his commitment to ensure that the government is ready and equipped to deal with fire-related incidents, Go cited that the Bureau of Fire Protection continues to undergo a modernization program under Republic Act No. 11589.

The BFP Modernization Act of 2021, which Go primarily authored and co-sponsored, provides for a ten-year modernization program that includes the acquisition of modern fire equipment, recruitment of more firefighters, and provision of specialized training, among others.

The lawmaker likewise continues to push for more measures and initiatives for a more holistic approach in addressing disasters in the country, including Senate Bill No. 193 which shall provide for the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers in every city, municipality and province across the country.

"Ako kasi hindi ko matiis na uupo lamang sa Senado. (Ang gusto) ko (ay) makapagbigay ako ng tulong, makapagbigay ng solusyon sa inyong problema at makapag-iwan ng kaunting kasiyahan sa inyong kalungkutan. Nawawala ang pagod ko kapag nakikita ko na masaya rin kayo," expressed Go.

Held at the Cagayan de Oro City Hall Quadrangle, the senator personally led the distribution of grocery packs, masks, vitamins, meals and shirts to the fire victims. He also provided bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, watches, and balls for volleyball and basketball to select individuals.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance, the Department of Health distributed medicines and vitamins, and the National Housing Authority assessed the beneficiaries for possible housing assistance.

The Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry also conducted on-site evaluations where qualified individuals will be given livelihood support through their respective programs.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on the other hand, will be giving scholarship grants and hold training programs for eligible residents.