Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed the urgency of strengthening fire prevention and emergency response measures as his outreach team delivered aid to 74 families displaced by a fire across several barangays in Butuan City last Wednesday.

The fire affected residents in Barangays Ambago, Pianing, Tagabaca, Tiniwisan, Ampayon and Manile de Bugabus.

“The life and health of every Filipino are what matter most to me,” Go said in a video call to victims gathered at the Barangay Amparo Covered Court, where displaced families are staying. “Goods can be bought and money can be earned if we work hard. But life cannot be bought.”

During the distribution event, Go’s Malasakit Team provided financial assistance, food packs, water containers, shirts, vitamins, snacks and sports equipment to 67 families from Barangay Ampayon, three families from Barangay Ambago, and one family each from Barangays Pianing, Tagabaca, Tiniwisan and Manile de Bugabus.

Select recipients also received shoes and watches.

Go advocated for continued investments in modern firefighting equipment, emergency response infrastructure and disaster-resilient facilities to protect vulnerable communities.

He highlighted key legislation he co-sponsored, including Republic Act 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which funds upgraded equipment and personnel training, and Republic Act 12076, the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates permanent evacuation centers in every municipality.

Go also acknowledged the coordination of national government agencies assessing long-term recovery needs for the affected households.