Go aids Tondo fire victims

MANILA, Philippines — Three days after a fire struck Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila, Sen. Bong Go visited the displaced residents staying at Pedro Guevara Elementary School on Wednesday.

Go and his team distributed meals, food packs, cash assistance, vitamins, masks and face shields to 361 families or 1,461 people.

Selected beneficiaries received new shoes and bicycles. Those with school-aged children were given computer tablets.

“We know that you are in a difficult situation. Don’t worry because different government agencies are here to help. We, along with President Duterte, will do our best to help,” Go said in his speech.

Other government agencies also pitched in. The Department of Social Welfare and Development gave cash aid while the Department of Agriculture distributed vegetables.

The residents received additional food packs, medicines, vitamins, wheel chairs and hygiene kits from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Department of Health and Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.

The Departments of Labor and Trade and Industry committed to provide livelihood assistance to the fire victims.

Go advocated for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

He also encouraged those with medical needs to go to the Philippine General Hospital Malasakit Center where patients can avail themselves of assistance.

Fire survivor Jennifer Arizala, whose family members all died in the blaze, thanked Go after receiving cash aid and burial assistance.