‘Pangalagaan ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino’ — Bong Go visits Taguig City fire victims

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go visited Barangay Tanyag in Taguig City on 11 December to extend support to families recovering from a recent fire. The senator distributed essential supplies and emphasized the importance of legislation aimed at enhancing disaster resilience and public safety.

During the relief operation, 228 families received grocery packs, snacks, fans, shirts, vitamins, and sports equipment, such as basketballs and volleyballs. Selected beneficiaries also received mobile phones, bicycles, watches, and shoes. Senator Go expressed words of encouragement to the victims, urging them to remain hopeful despite their losses.

“Mga kababayan, sa mga nasunugan, 'wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan kung magtutulungan tayo. Ang pera, kikitain ‘yan basta magsumikap tayo. Pero ang buhay, hindi mabibili. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he said.

Go underscored the significance of Republic Act No. 11589, the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law aims to enhance the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) capabilities through a 10-year modernization program that includes procuring state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, recruiting additional personnel, and providing specialized training.

He also highlighted Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers across the country. As the principal author and co-sponsor, Go emphasized the need for such facilities to ensure the safety and dignity of disaster-affected communities.

In addition to legislative measures, Go actively supports the National Housing Authority’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), which provides financial aid to families affected by disasters, including fires, typhoons, and earthquakes. This program helps families rebuild their lives after calamities.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded residents about the Malasakit Center at Taguig-Pateros District Hospital. The Malasakit Centers program, which he initiated in 2018, was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463. These centers serve as one-stop shops where government agencies provide medical and financial assistance to poor and indigent patients.

"Mayroon na tayong 166 na Malasakit Centers. Ang Malasakit Center ay batas na ‘yan na aking isinulong, na pinirmahan ni dating presidente Rodrigo Duterte. Para talaga ‘yan sa poor and indigent patient. Para iyan sa Pilipino, inyo talaga ang Malasakit Center," Go said. According to the Department of Health, over 15 million Filipinos have benefited from the program.

Beyond disaster response, Go has supported numerous initiatives in Taguig City, including the procurement of ambulances, patrol cars, and a dump truck. These efforts reflect his commitment to local development as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.

Acknowledging the support of fellow public servants, including senators Alan and Pia Cayetano, Mayor Lani Cayetano, and Vice Mayor Arvin Alit, Go expressed his dedication to serving Filipinos.

"Mga kababayan, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung anumang kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Iyan naman ang totoo. Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo 'yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo 'yan kay Allah.”

Aside from assisting fire victims, Go attended the All-Star Basketball Friendship Game Opening Ceremony in Quezon City as part of World Basketball Week and later participated in the Oriental Mindoro mayors Christmas Party.