Press Release - Bong Go bats for enhanced fire prevention efforts during Holidays as he assists fire victims in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat

After visiting the community, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to help fire victims in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat on Friday, December 22.

In a video message during his Malasakit Team's relief activity at the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Go underscored his continued advocacy to establish stronger fire prevention initiatives in local communities especially during the holiday season.

He also highlighted the ongoing modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) through the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589. The BFP Modernization Act, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, requires the agency to engage in a decade-long modernization effort. This Act aims to transform the BFP into a world-class institution, improving its fire response capabilities.

Go said that this will be achieved through expanding the firefighter workforce, procuring advanced fire-fighting equipment, and providing specialized training, along with other strategic initiatives.

"Sa pag-iikot ko ng bansa para makatulong sa mga nasunugan, nakita ko po talaga ang importansya ng pagpapalakas ng ating fire prevention campaigns. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako sa dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa pag-apruba ng BFP Modernization Act para mas lalo pang lumakas ang kapasidad ng ahensya," expressed Go.

"Sa mga nasunugan naman po, alam ko pong napakahirap ng panahon ngayon at kayo po ay nasunugan pa pero huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang pera naman po ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo palagi," he reminded.

Go's Malasakit Team provided financial assistance, snacks, grocery packs, water containers, shirts, vitamins, masks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to two affected households.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered further assistance to those in need of medical treatment. He advised them to make use of the medical assistance programs available at the Malasakit Center located at Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan.

Observing firsthand the difficulties economically challenged Filipinos encounter in paying hospital