SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go extended assistance to fire victims in Barangay 15-B, Davao City on Saturday, Sept. 19, checking on the condition of affected residents through a video call during a relief activity conducted by his team.
Go expressed sympathy to families who lost their homes and belongings in the Sept. 14 fire, assuring them that his office remains ready to help as they recover and rebuild their lives.
The fire struck a residential area along Cervantes Street in Barangay 15-B shortly after noon on Sept. 14.
According to the Davao City Fire District, the blaze reached the third alarm and was declared extinguished at around 1:33 pm One person died, while two others were injured.
Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office reported that 39 families, comprising 146 individuals, were affected.
Emphasizing the importance of disaster resilience, Go stressed that families affected by fires and other calamities need both immediate assistance and longer-term government support to aid their recovery.
To address this, the senator has pursued several legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening fire prevention, disaster preparedness, emergency response, evacuation facilities, and recovery assistance.
Go was a principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021.
The law established a ten-year modernization program for the BFP, covering modern firefighting and rescue equipment, improved facilities, specialized services, personnel development, emergency medical services, and enhanced fire prevention and disaster response capabilities.
He likewise principally authored and co-sponsored RA 12076, or the Safe Pinoy Centers Act.
Signed into law in December 2024, the measure mandates the establishment of safe, fully equipped, and operational evacuation centers in every city and municipality to provide proper shelter for communities affected by natural and human-induced disasters.
Go noted that these initiatives complement immediate relief efforts by addressing different stages of disaster management—from prevention and preparedness to evacuation, emergency response, and long-term recovery.
He reiterated his call for stronger cooperation among national agencies, local governments, emergency responders, and communities to reduce disaster risks and ensure that Filipinos receive timely help whenever tragedy strikes.
During the September 19 activity, Go’s Malasakit Team provided assistance to 50 beneficiaries affected by the blaze.
Although unable to attend personally, the senator spoke with the residents via video call to check on their condition and assure them of his continued support.
Relief operations carried out by Go’s team included the distribution of financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, water containers, vitamins, shirts, pens, and sports equipment such as basketballs and volleyballs. Select beneficiaries also received watches and shoes.
The senator also previously conveyed his condolences to the family of Francis Dayot, the 21-year-old person with a disability who perished in the fire.
“We will continue to serve you because it is my habit to serve, and I believe that service to people is service to the Lord, service to Allah,” underscored Go, widely known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
