Bong Go extends assistance to more fire victims in Las Piñas City

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's Malasakit Team spearheaded a distribution activity for fire victims in Las Piñas City on Saturday, February 24, two days after the senator personally visited the city and provided assistance to more victims of another fire incident.

Upon learning about a recent fire incident while personally leading a relief activity in Las Piñas City last February 22, Go immediately provided assistance to the victims and instructed his team to prepare for a return visit to provide more support to the affected families.

In his video message, Go emphasized the importance of swift action to offer relief and support to those in need.

The relief activity was held at Aguilar Sports Complex in coordination with Pilar Barangay Chairman Ronnie Fuentes. Go's Malasakit Team provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 120 affected families. Meanwhile, there were also select recipients of shoes and mobile phones.

"Mahirap po ang mawalan ng tirahan, halos araw-araw akong umiikot sa buong Pilipinas para puntahan ang ating mga kababayan na nasunugan, nabagyuhan, baha, lindol, pagputok ng bulkan, o anumang sakuna at magbigay ng tulong," said Go.

"Alam niyo po, para sa akin ang importante po ay buhay po tayo, nandirito lang po ako at ang aking tanggapan para magbigay ng tulong sa abot ng aking makakaya at makapagbigay ng ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati," he continued.

As the head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go underscored the need for the public to prioritize their health and well-being and hoped that no one got hurt during the incident.

Known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to those in need, he then told the fire victims they may visit Las Piñas City General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, where Malasakit Center is available to assist with their hospital billing.

The Malasakit Center is a convenient one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical assistance to indigent Filipinos. Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted more or less ten million Filipinos through its 159 operational centers nationwide.

Moreover, Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.

In Las Piñas City General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, specialty centers are set to be established, including physical rehabilitation, medicine, burn care, and trauma care.

Senator Go then highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. This law, primarily authored and sponsored by Go, aims to enhance the capabilities of the BFP through a ten-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and specialized training.

"Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo," said Go.

"Kung ano pa ang inyong kailangan, magsabi lang kayo at bukas ang aking opisina sa inyo. Tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Ako ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po 'yan sa Diyos," concluded Go.