Senator Bong Go assists fire victims in Cebu City

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, through his Malasakit Team, extended assistance to fire victims in Sitio Sugarlandia, Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City on Thursday, 11 December.

Go underlined Republic Act No. 12076, known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. Signed on 6 December 2024, this law mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers across all cities and municipalities in the country. As the principal author and co-sponsor of the legislation, Senator Go emphasized how these centers will safeguard the dignity and well-being of disaster-affected communities while accelerating recovery efforts.

“Ako po ay nakikiusap sa mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno. Bigyang prayoridad and evacuation centers dahil batas naman po ito kesa nasasayang sa flood control na ginagawang gatasan ng iilan po,” Go underscored.

He also championed RA 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. This law provides for a ten-year modernization program that includes increasing personnel, acquiring modern firefighting equipment, and enhancing training to improve fire response and prevention capabilities.

Additionally, the senator is likewise pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, which he refiled in the 20th Congress. This measure aims to support displaced families through rental assistance while they transition to permanent housing in the aftermath of disasters, if enacted.

“Ang lagi ko pong sinasabi, ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera, kikitain niyo ‘yan kung magsumikap lang tayo. Pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay,” said Go, reminding affected families to always value life and health above all else.

Held at Sitio Sugarlandia grounds, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed financial assistance, food packs, water gallons, snacks, vitamins, shirts, fans, and basketballs and volleyballs to 14 affected households.

The senator further recognized the national government for conducting assessments to ensure that affected families can receive support in rebuilding their homes.

“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na puwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go concluded.