Go aids fire victims in Manila

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go extended aid to over 100 families in Manila whose houses were damaged by fire two weeks ago.

The senator last November 14 provided aid to fire victims in Barangay (village) 732 and Barangay 739.

Go's team distributed grocery packs, water containers, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 184 affected families. Some select recipients got shoes and mobile phones.

Personnel from the National Housing Authority helped assess the victims for possible emergency housing assistance.

In a video message, Go urged the residents to be careful. «A lost life is a lost life forever,» he said.

He mentioned that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is undergoing a ten-year modernization program following the enactment of the «BFP Modernization Act of 2021» or Republic Act (RA) 11589.

RA 11589, which Go primarily authored and co-sponsored, aims to ensure that the BFP is «better prepared and equipped to respond to fire-related incidents.»

The BFP modernization program includes the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring more firefighters, and provision of specialized training, among others.

The senator said that as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, he will try to improve the delivery of public service in Manila.

Go noted that he supported the acquisition of medical and educational supplies, surveillance systems, a rescue patrol service, ambulances and a multipurpose vehicle, as well as the purchase and installation of solar-powered street lighting for the city.