Firefighting is a calling of sacrifice says Senator Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go praised the courage and dedication of 73 new firefighter graduates during the Fire Officer Basic Course (FOBC) 2025–36 Class “Pagsilak” graduation ceremony held at the National Fire Training Institute in Camp Vicente Lim on 24 June.

Speaking as guest of honor and keynote speaker, Go described the role of firefighters as a sacred calling defined by sacrifice, service, and duty to the nation. He began by reminding the graduates of the danger that comes with their chosen path.

“You are the ones whose lives are in danger. So today, it is you who should be thanked. Let us give a round of applause to our firefighters. Thank you very much,” Go said in Filipino.

Go reflected on how witnessing fire victims across the country has deepened his commitment to compassion and action.

“For me, I really feel for those who have lost their homes to fires. Let us help each other for the nation, for our fellow Filipinos,” he said, recalling moments when he and former President Rodrigo Duterte personally visited fire-affected areas.

“These are the moments when our countrymen are heartbroken. When they have nothing left, they are back to zero. They lost everything. But I always tell them, material things can be bought. Clothes can be washed, money can be earned. But life, once lost, is gone forever. What is important is that we are alive,” he added.

Go emphasized the need to support firefighters with enough equipment, protection, and personnel to help them perform their duties effectively.

“It is high time that you have proper equipment and additional personnel,” he said.

“Let us help one another. You are the ones rescuing our countrymen during fires and you are the ones sacrificing your lives,” he said.

Go honored the profound dedication of the graduates, reminding them, “You risk your lives so others will be saved. More than skill, that takes heart.”

The senator then connected this theme of sacrifice to legislation he has long championed for uniformed personnel. He recalled the salary increase for entry-level police, fire, and other officers implemented in 2018, which was a promise fulfilled during Duterte’s term.

He cited Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act.

“We pushed for Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act. I am the principal author and co-sponsor of this law in the Senate,” he said.

“This law aims to strengthen your capabilities, from equipment and training to deployment, so that you can save lives more effectively. The law also mandates the BFP to conduct fire prevention campaigns in fire-prone communities,” he added.

Go also cited Republic Act No. 12177 or the Free Legal Assistance to Military and Other Uniformed Personnel Act. He is the principal author of this measure, which ensures free legal support for officers facing charges in connection with their duties.

He mentioned Republic Act No. 11549, which he also co-authored, as a step toward greater inclusivity. It lowered the height requirement for aspiring firefighters and other uniformed personnel, making the service accessible to more Filipinos.

He then turned to public health, highlighting the need for medical services in far-flung areas.

“Because across the Philippines, many places have no hospitals because small municipalities cannot afford it. You know this. Some of you come from the Visayas, Mindanao, from mountain areas. The places are so far. Some of you are from Mountain Province. Now, there are Super Health Centers,” he said.

Go explained that these Super Health Centers provide primary care, consultations, and early disease detection. He stressed their importance, especially in rural and underserved areas. He also highlighted the Malasakit Centers, which he authored under Republic Act No. 11463, as vital to helping indigent patients access government medical assistance.

So far, 167 Malasakit Centers have been established and have helped more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health.

Together with DOH Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, lawmakers, and local government units, Go secured funding for the construction of more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.

He also mentioned Republic Act No. 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialized health facilities in existing DOH hospitals across the country.

Go closed his speech with a reminder about the value of life and the urgency of doing good.

“And before I end this message, I just want to leave you with something I always carry in my heart,” he said.

“Let us remember this. We pass through this world only once. Whatever good or help we can offer to our fellowmen, let us do it now. We will not return to this world. And I believe that service to the people is service to God,” he concluded.