BAGBAG, Quezon City Nov.30, 2018 – Former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go and his supporters visited Kingspoint Subdivision in Brgy. Bagbag, QC, the site of the November 24, 2018 fire that destroyed at least 67 houses, displaced around 124 families, and caused property damage amounting to about Php 500,000.
Residents affected by the fire evacuated to the nearest covered court. Days after, the residents returned to the site of the fire to salvage remains of their possessions and rebuild their houses. It was here when Bong Go and his supporters entered the area to reach out to members of the community that were affected by the fire and listen to their concerns.
Go, together with his friends, provided school and work uniforms, clothes, relief goods, meals and cash assistance to affected families. Immediate assistance from various national and local government agencies were also given separately days earlier.
“Mayroon po akong mga kaibigan na talagang willing tumulong. Imbes na igastos po nila sa mga ibang bagay, sabi ko, dito n’yo nalang itulong,” Go said adding that help from supporters from the private sector is much appreciated to augment the assistance given by the government.
Fire safety has always been among Bong Go’s top concerns. The aspiring senator has made it a habit to visit and interact with residents affected by such tragedies.
“Isa po ito sa aking priority, legislative agenda kung sakaling papalarin ako: fire safety measures and prevention at papalakasin rin natin ang Bureau of Fire Protection natin para madaling masugpo at maiwasan ang mga sunog,” he said.
He also stated the need to intensify fire prevention awareness programs to citizens since most incidents of fires are caused by illegal tapping of electric lines and lack of knowledge on the safety precautions when using electronic gadgets.
“Kailangan talaga paigtingin pa ‘yung ating fire safety measures. Halos araw araw may nasusunugan, i-educate pa natin ang ating mga kapatid,” he said adding that children, especially those left alone at home, should also be educated on basic fire preventive measures since their lack of knowledge has been a common cause of accidents.
Go also committed to help coordinate with national government agencies to further assist the victims. He also offered free transportation to victims who wish to go back to their respective provinces. Some construction materials will also be donated by Go’s supporters to help victims in rebuilding their houses.
Kuya Bong Go ended his visit by sharing a meal with tricycle drivers to listen to their concerns. He also encouraged them to contribute to nation-building by staying away from illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption.
“Lumayo kayo sa masamang bisyo. Nakakatuwa na may ilan sa inyo na aminadong nalulong dati pero piniling magbagong buhay. May mga rehab centers naman tayo,” he said during the informal gathering where he met a tricycle driver who admittedly used illegal drugs before but chose to reform himself for the sake of his family.
He reminded the citizens to stay away from illegal drugs as he cited how unfortunate it is for families to lose loved ones because of the ill effects of these dangerous substances. “Nakakasira ng utak, nakakasira pa ng buhay ng pamilya.”
Go mentioned that there are already available facilities offering free drug rehabilitation. He added that he will push for more comprehensive and easily accessible rehabilitation programs for drug surrenderees who wish to start a new life.
Moreover, Go encouraged those who need medical assistance to visit Malasakit Centers that cater to all Filipinos especially the poor who cannot afford to avail medical treatment and medicines.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop program of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to hasten the delivery of medical services and give indigent patients access to free medicines. Go said he would keep on helping the government establish more Malasakit Centers nationwide and push to institutionalize it into a law so that every province will have a center in their locality.
According to Go, even as a private citizen, he will do whatever it takes to uplift the quality of life of as many Filipinos.
“Bisyo ko na magserbisyo, ” Go reiterated adding, that he won’t get tired of doing such to be able to help the poor families especially those in need of immediate assistance.
