Sixty-five families affected by a fire in Boracay Island received financial and relief assistance from the team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on October 8, as the lawmaker renewed his call for improved firefighting capabilities and better shelter for disaster victims.
The distribution in Barangay Yapak, Malay, Aklan, was intended to help residents recover from the September 1 fire, according to a press statement sent to Brigada News FM Philippines on Monday, October 12.
Each beneficiary family received financial assistance, fire-relief packs, a water container, snacks, shirts, vitamins, and a pen. Families were also given either a basketball or volleyball, while selected beneficiaries received shoes and a cellphone through a raffle.
Beyond immediate relief, Go pointed to legislation he has authored or co-sponsored aimed at improving the government’s response to fires and other disasters.
These include Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which requires the establishment of permanent evacuation centers in cities and municipalities. Under the law, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council identifies priority areas, the Department of Public Works and Highways oversees construction, and local government units manage the facilities.
Go has also filed Senate Bill No. 173, which seeks to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience, and Senate Bill No. 415, proposing rental housing subsidies for qualified informal settler families and disaster victims who need temporary accommodation.
For fire prevention and response, he is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act. The law provides for upgraded firefighting equipment, an expanded workforce and specialized training for firefighters.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 669, which proposes hazard pay for disaster personnel, including firefighters and rescuers.
In an earlier fire-relief activity, Go stressed the value of protecting lives, saying money and belongings could be replaced but lives lost could never be recovered.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he said.
The press statement did not disclose the total amount of financial assistance distributed or provide further details on the extent of damage caused by the September 1 fire.*
