Fire victims in Santo Tomas, Pampanga received assistance from Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go after his team was dispatched on Monday, 19 January, to help families affected by a blaze that hit the area earlier this month.

In a video message, Go highlighted Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent and well-equipped evacuation centers nationwide. The law was signed on 6 December 2024, with Go as principal author and co-sponsor.

“Hindi dapat pansamantala lang ang solusyon tuwing may sakuna,” Go said. “Kung may maayos at ligtas na evacuation centers, mas maiiwasan ang siksikan at mas mapo-protektahan ang dignidad at kaligtasan ng mga evacuees.”

Go also cited ongoing efforts to strengthen fire prevention, noting the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection under Republic Act No. 11589, which mandates a 10-year program for recruitment, equipment acquisition, and specialized training.

“Ang lagi ko nang 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. A lost life is a lost life forever. Imporante buhay tayo at kilala po ang mga Pilipino sa pagtutulungan,” Go said.

During the distribution activity at San Bartolome Barangay Hall, 28 families received financial aid, water containers, grocery packs, shirts, and other items. Some beneficiaries also received shoes.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” Go added.