Press Release - Bong Go emphasizes importance of heightened awareness towards fire prevention as he gives aid to more fire victims in Davao City

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided assistance to fire victims in Barangay Governor Vicente Duterte, Agdao, Davao City on Thursday, December 28. The event was simultaneously held with Go's personal visit to fire victims in Brgy. Leon Garcia in said city.

The Malasakit Team provided financial assistance, snacks, grocery packs, water containers, shirts, vitamins, masks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 18 affected households at the Barangay Governor Vicente Duterte Hall. They also gave select recipients a watch and a pair of shoes.

Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the National Housing Authority conducted an assessment for potential beneficiaries of their respective livelihood and housing programs to further help the families recover.

In his video message, Go reiterated his appeal to concerned agencies and local government units to enhance and advocate for fire safety and preparedness within their communities.

"Nakakalungkot man po na masunugan dahil para po kayong bumalik sa simula pero mas importante po ang buhay ng bawat isa. Ang gamit po ay nabibili, pero ang pera na kikitain natin ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Kaya pag-ingatan natin ang buhay na binigay sa atin ng Panginoon," said Go.

"Kaya hinihikayat ko rin po ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan na mas lalo pang palakasin ang fire prevention awareness. Karamihan po sa ating mga kababayan ay kulang pa po ang kaalaman sa fire safety kaya mas mabuti po na ibahagi natin ito sa kanila para maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari," he added.

To reduce the occurrence and lessen the impact of fire-related incidents, Republic Act No. 11589, known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act, was primarily authored and co-sponsored by Go.

RA 11589, which was signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte, requires the BFP to initiate a modernization program. This program includes the procurement of advanced firefighting equipment, increasing the number of personnel, and implementing specialized training programs for firefighters.

In partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the LGUs, the BFP is