SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, through his team, extended assistance to fire victims in Barangay Del Pilar, Manay, Davao Oriental, on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
During the distribution of assistance, Senator Go reiterated the importance of Republic Act No. 12076, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide.
As the principal author and co-sponsor of the law, Go has consistently emphasized that institutionalized evacuation centers are essential to protecting the dignity, safety, and health of disaster-affected communities while ensuring faster recovery.
“Ako po ay nakikiusap sa mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno. Bigyang prayoridad ang evacuation centers dahil batas naman po ito kesa nasasayang sa flood control na ginagawang gatasan ng iilan po,” Go said.
The senator also highlighted RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law provides for a ten-year modernization program to strengthen the country’s fire response and prevention capabilities through additional personnel, modern equipment, and enhanced training.
In addition, Go reiterated his support for Senate Bill No. 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program that he refiled in the 20th Congress. The measure seeks to provide rental assistance to families displaced by disasters while they work toward securing permanent housing, once 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 the affected families to always prioritize life and health above material possessions.
The assistance activity was held at Barangay Del Pilar Activity Center, where 15 affected families received financial assistance, fans, balls, shirts, grocery packs, and water containers.
“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.
