The team of Sen. Bong Go visited the cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu on Friday, 17 March, to hand out assistance to fire-hit communities from various barangays.

In observance of Fire Prevention Month this March, Go reassured that the government remains focused on strengthening the country’s fire prevention efforts through Republic Act No. 11589, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored.

The law mandates the bureau to undergo a ten-year modernization program to improve the BFP’s capabilities in dealing with fire-related incidents, which includes the provision of specialized trainings, expansion of manpower, and acquisition of new and advanced fire equipment, among others.

“Importante po na mabigyan ng suporta ang modernization ng ating Bureau of Fire Protection dahil napaka-importante ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila upang makapagligtas ng buhay,” said Go.

“Halos linggu-linggo po akong bumababa sa mga nasusunugan. Nakikita ko po ang hirap ng ating mga kababayang nasunugan. Kahit isang bahay lang po ang masunog, damay po pati ang kapitbahay. Maraming pamilya ang apektado. Kaya po dapat lang na palakasin ang kapasidad ng BFP sa pagresponde sa sunog,” he added.

Go’s team distributed grocery packs, snacks, masks, vitamins, and shirts to three affected families. They also handed out cellular phones, umbrellas, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to further help the fire victims recover from the damages.