Go leads Tondo fire relief, advocates for fire safety, housing

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, personally visited and assisted families affected by the recent fire in Barangay 93, Zone 8, Tondo, Manila City, on Thursday, 31 July.

Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Go shared his service philosophy: “Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.”

Accompanied by his Malasakit Team, Go led relief efforts for 172 families, distributing food packs, water containers, clothes, and sports equipment, such as basketballs and volleyballs. “Malungkot pong masunugan. Subalit nandirito tayo para magtulungan. Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina, ang gamit nabibili, ang pera kikitain. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Importante buhay po tayo,” he expressed.

Go also praised Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno for collaborating in the relief efforts. The event was attended by Vice Mayor Chie Atienza, several barangay captains, and personnel from various government agencies assisting the displaced residents.

Go highlighted the importance of long-term disaster resilience measures, such as fully implementing Republic Act No. 12076 (Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act) and RA 11589 (BFP Modernization Act), laws that he principally authored and co-sponsored. The laws aim to establish disaster-resilient evacuation centers and modernize fire safety systems, respectively.

Furthermore, Go underscored Senate Bill No. 192, which he filed, to create a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for disaster victims, providing temporary shelter assistance as they transition to permanent housing.

Concluding his visit, Go emphasized that immediate aid is important, but long-term measures for strengthening disaster preparedness and housing resilience must remain national priorities. “Bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat. Nandito lang po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go, handang tumulong sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo din sa Diyos,” he concluded.

On the same day, Go also extended aid to residents in Rosario, Cavite.