Tempo

Go pushes fire safety measures

-

Former Special Assistant to the President Christophe­r Lawrence “Bong” Go has emphasized the need for a concerted effort to help fire victims and strengthen fire safety and prevention measures in the country.

“Dapat mapalakas ang fire safety and prevention measures natin. Halos araw-araw may nasusunuga­n kaya dapat pagtuunan ng pansin at maturuan lahat kung paano maiwasan ang ganitong mga aksidente,” the May 2019 senatorial candidate said during a visit to fire victims in Barangay Manresa in Quezon City.

At least 100 houses were destroyed and 300 families were left homeless in the fire allegedly caused by illegal power connection­s. Five persons were injured while ₱1 million in properties were lost in the fire.

Go said he is glad to help the fire victims in Barangay Manresa.

“Hindi niyo po kami kailangan pasalamata­n. Parte po ito ng trabaho namin. Lagi po natin tandaan na obligasyon nating tulungan ang kapwa Pilipino. Sa panahong ito, dapat mas lumakas pa ang pagmamalas­akit ng komunidad sa isa’t-isa.”

Go has always placed importance on fire safety and prevention because of the massive loss of lives, homes, and livelihood as well as the expensive property damage usually caused by fire incidents.

Due to this, Go prioritize­s meetings with fire victims and survivors of other similar tragedies to extend assistance and see how safety and prevention measures can be improved.

"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,” Go said.

In light of the fire, Go proposed that particular properties should be converted to permanent and strategic evacuation centers so that government work and classes are not greatly affected.

“Alam niyo, mahirap, katulad nito, nagagamit ‘yung gym. Minsan, ‘yung eskwelahan. Naantala ‘yung mga pagaaral ng mga bata kasi nagagamit ‘yung mga classroom as evacuation center. Ngayon mas OK po sana kung mayroon tayong evacuation center na maayos, may CR, para kumportabl­e hanggang makauwi sa kanilang pamamahay ‘yung mga evacuees. ‘Yun po ang aking priority, kung saka-sakali po na palarin sa darating na eleksyon,” Go said.

Barangay Manresa Captain Arturo Tambis said the fire victims badly need donations. "Sa ngayon, mga pagkain muna, banig, tulugan, mga damit-damit diyan ang kailangan ng mga nakaligtas sa sunog,” Tambis said.

Go and his supporters have delivered needed aid, listened to the residents’ concerns, and gave comfort to survivors of the fire. They distribute­d clothes, shoes, grocery items, food packs, ready to eat meals, and cash assistance to many affected families.

“Sabi ko nga po, kahit saang sulok ng Pilipinas, kung kaya ng aking kakayahan, pupuntahan ko kaagad kayo, may dalang kaunting tulong at assistance, pagkain, at groceries pack,” Go said.

The former SAP said he will contact his former colleagues in the government to request additional assistance for the fire victims. “Papakiusap­an ko po ‘yung mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno tulad ng nasa NHA, DoH, DSWD, at PCSO,” Go guaranteed.

 ??  ?? GO
GO

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines