Fire victims get Sen. Go, DTI help kits

My office will continue providing assistance to fire victims no matter what the current national situation is. We want to ease your burden at this time when we are dealing with a health crisis

Fire victims in Cebu and Davao were the latest recipients of assistance from Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who witnessed the distribution of financial and cash aid via video conference.

Relief items reached affected residents of Barangays Ibo, Looc and Pajac in Lapu-Lapu City and Bucana and Talomo in Davao City on Tuesday, with strict compliance with health protocols.

“My office will continue providing assistance to fire victims no matter what the current national situation is. We want to ease your burden at this time when we are dealing with a health crisis,” Go told the fire-razed communities.

Go’s staff distributed masks, food packs and financial aid. Select fire victims were also given bicycles.

“The masks can help stop the spread of coronavirus and the bicycles can help you get around,” he said.

Go also witnessed the virtual turnover of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negosyo Kits to chosen beneficiaries.

In Lapu-Lapu City, a total of 59 were awarded with Negosyo Kits — 37 from Barangay Ibo, 15 from Looc and seven from Pajac.

Ten beneficiaries in Davao City were also provided with the livelihood assistance, with eight from Barangay Bucana receiving a Home Service Salon Negosyo Kit.

Five beneficiaries, meanwhile, were awarded with Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Kits while two were given an E-load Retailing Negosyo Kits.

In Talomo, two beneficiaries were similarly granted with Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Kits.

DTI Negosyo Kits are worth P10,000 each. Each beneficiary is entitled to a one-on-one consultation and training on entrepreneurial mindset, basic marketing and simple bookkeeping.

“I trust that these Negosyo Kits will help our communities start anew,” Go said.

The senator emphasized anew the need for the passage of Senate Bill 204 or the Fire Protection Modernization Bill, which aims to institutionalize the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The masks can help stop the spread of coronavirus and the bicycles can help you get around.

Under the bill, there will be hiring of additional personnel, acquiring of modern fire equipment and training for firefighters, among others.

In his previous statements, Go said more services and personnel will create a more efficient, prepared and well-equipped BFP that will respond not only to fire incidents but also to calamities, disasters and crisis.

“Saving lives is an honorable task but in order to efficiently serve the nation and protect Filipinos, we need to improve our services and capabilities. The BFP is tasked to respond to such incidents and catastrophes, and with the health crisis we are facing today, we need to further strengthen the BFP,” Go said.