Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided assistance to 563 recovering fire victims at Arena Blanco West Elementary School in Zamboanga City on Saturday, 7 October.

The fire victims received grocery packs, water containers, and snacks. Meanwhile, there were select recipients of bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

The National Housing Authority then assessed the beneficiaries who may qualify for necessary housing assistance to further help them rebuild their homes.

In a video message, Go expressed his confidence that the Bureau of Fire Protection can soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art institution that will effectively address
fire-related concerns. The law, which Go principally authored and co-sponsored in the Senate, provides for a 10-year modernization program, which includes purchasing and upgrading fire equipment, recruiting more fire personnel, and providing specialized training, among others.

BFP, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, is also conducting a fire safety awareness campaign across the country as part of the Fire Prevention Month celebration and also as mandated by the Act.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also offered to help those with medical needs. He encouraged them to visit Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital in the city where there are Malasakit Centers available.

Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program after he personally witnessed the struggles of disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their hospital bills. He successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored in 2019.