Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, 11 February, visited Barangay 580 in Sampaloc, Manila, to personally check on residents displaced by a fire that struck the area on Feb. 6 and to extend assistance to affected families.

“Dati po akong taga-Quezon City, pero laki po akong Mindanao. Tuwing may nasusunugan po dito sa Manila, parati kong tinatanong kung may nasaktan. Ang gamit po, napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the bayanihan spirit in times of adversity.

“Habang buhay po tayo, huwag po tayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan lang po tayo. Ako naman, tutulong lang po ako sa inyo. Kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas, makikita ninyo ako. Minsan nandoon ako sa Cagayan, minsan sa Nueva Vizcaya, o kahit saang sulok ng bansa,” he added.

The visit focused on families affected by the fire, with Go underscoring the need for immediate relief while supporting longer-term recovery efforts. By going to the site, he said he wanted to ensure assistance reached residents promptly while listening to their concerns and identifying additional needs as they rebuild.

During the activity held along a street in Barangay 580, Go inspected the affected area and spoke with residents, conveying reassurance and solidarity.

Through the initiative of Go and his office, 33 beneficiaries received financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, water containers, shirts, vitamins, fruits and other essential items to help meet urgent needs. Some residents also received a bicycle, a cellphone, a watch and new pairs of shoes.

“Kanina may nagpasalamat po sa akin. Huwag po kayong magpasalamat. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” Go said.

He also cited Republic Act 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored, noting its role in strengthening the capabilities of fire personnel to respond more effectively to emergencies.

In addition, he highlighted Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of safe and resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide.

Go reiterated his commitment to addressing housing challenges, particularly in communities hit by disasters. He filed Senate Bill No. 415, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for affected families. If enacted, the measure will provide temporary shelter assistance while households transition to permanent housing.

Local officials were also acknowledged for their support and coordination during the visit, including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and Barangay 580 Captain Darwin delos Santos, whose offices worked closely with Go’s team to facilitate the activity.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ’yan sa Diyos,” Go underscored.