Protecting Filipinos vs fire
Starting a family, building a home, and living peacefully are a few of Filipino family goals. Unfortunately, behind the smiles and the warmth common to Filipinos are stories of having burnt houses, losing a family member, or even starting over again from scratch. When the third month of the year comes along, we are all reminded to be cautious, keen, and responsible in so many ways, as March is Fire Prevention Month.
I would like to remind my fellow Filipinos to remain vigilant and refrain from unattended charging of gadgets, lit candles, open flames, irresponsible electrical wiring, and many other things that may cause fire accidents. Let us work together and be extra careful and mindful to protect our lives and belongings.
Whenever I visit affected residents of fire incidents, I see the urgency for improved infrastructures, better responses, and immediate help. This led me to push for the enactment of the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act or the Republic Act 11589, which I principally authored and cosponsored and was signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte last September 2021.
This Act mandates the BFP to have a ten-year modernization program, including recruiting additional firefighters, acquiring modern fire equipment, and providing specialized training. More importantly, the law requires regular fire prevention campaigns and information drives in our communities.
Meanwhile, acknowledging the possibility of other health concerns, we have pushed for various initiatives, such as the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers, the establishment of Super Health Centers, and the newly enacted Regional Specialty Centers Act.
The Malasakit Center is a onestop shop that has assisted around ten million Filipinos nationwide and brings together relevant agencies to provide medical assistance to underprivileged Filipinos. I principally authored and sponsored RA 11463, which institutionalized this program.
Moreover, we also pushed for the Super Health Centers to enhance the healthcare sector, particularly at the grassroots level, by concentrating on primary care, consultations, and early disease detection at the community level.
Additionally, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, or RA 11959, which I principally sponsored and is one of the authors, is set to provide specialized medical services in all regions, ensuring everyone has access to high-level medical care closer to home. It mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing Department of Health regional hospitals.
With these collaborative efforts for our fellow Filipinos, we were recognized by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. as one of the Outstanding Public Servant Awardees for 2023. With or without an award, I will continue serving our people to the best of my abilities.
I am delighted to announce that the previous week, the construction of a Super Health Center in Besao, Mountain Province, has already started.
It was attended by my Malasakit Team with Mayor Bryne Bacwaden.
This was followed by the groundbreaking ceremony of the soon-to-rise Besao District Hospital, which we supported as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.
As your Mr. Malasakit, I will continue my compassionate service to those in need, especially victims of tragedies. Let us remember that while personal properties can be repurchased and money can be earned if we work hard, any form of wealth cannot buy a life. A lost life is a lost life forever. That is why we should continue to work together to promote health and protect Filipinos’ lives, especially during Fire Prevention Month. Together, let us help build a safer and more resilient community for every Filipino.
“Let us remember that while personal properties can be repurchased and money can be earned if we work hard, any form of wealth cannot buy a life. “When the third month of the year comes along, we are all reminded to be cautious, keen, and responsible in so many ways, as March is Fire Prevention Month.