Press Release - Bong Go stresses the importance of heightened awareness towards fire prevention as he aids a fire-hit family in Polomolok, South Cotabato

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go provided assistance to a family hit by a fire in Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok, South Cotabato on Tuesday, January 9.

The Malasakit Team provided financial assistance, snacks, grocery packs, water containers, shirts, vitamins, masks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to the affected household at Purok Sta. Cruz, Brgy. Cannery Site.

Go reiterated in his message his appeal to concerned agencies and local government units to enhance and advocate for fire safety and preparedness within 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.

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

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 responsible for carrying out regular fire prevention campaigns and informational outreach programs, particularly in far and underserved areas.

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged the beneficiaries to make their health a top priority. He advised them to utilize the services of the Malasakit Centers, situated at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City and Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, for