Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's office provided assistance to recovering fire victims in Barangay Lapakan, Zamboanga City as part of his commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos in crisis situations.

Held at the Barangay Lapakan Hall, there were a total of 18 families who received financial assistance, grocery packs, water containers, vitamins, and masks while there were also select recipients of shoes, a bicycle, and a mobile phone from the senator's team.

Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) conducted an assessment of their respective livelihood and housing programs to further help the families sustain their needs while recovering.

In his video message during the relief activity held on Thursday, 9 November, Go reiterated his plea for local government units to enhance and advocate for fire safety and readiness within their communities.

"Nakakalungkot man po na masunugan dahil para po kayong bumalik sa simula, pero mas importante po ang buhay ng bawat isa. Ang gamit po ay nabibili, pero ang pera na kikitain natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Ang nawalang buhay po ay wala na. A lost life is a lost life forever," Go said.

"Kaya hinihikayat ko rin po ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan na mas lalo pang palakasin ang fire prevention awareness. Karamihan po sa ating mga kababayan ay kulang pa po ang kaalaman sa fire safety kaya mas mabuti po na ibahagi natin ito sa kanila para maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari," he noted.

Go cited that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is currently undergoing a modernization program pursuant to Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act of 2021, which he primarily authored and co-sponsored.

The Act shall enable the agency to respond faster and more effectively to fire-related incidents in the country. The ten-year modernization program includes procuring new fire equipment, expanding manpower, and conducting specialized training for firefighters, among others.

Furthermore, it mandates the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the respective local government units (LGUs).