Bong Go aids Antipolo fire victims

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go visited and provided assistance to families whose houses were destroyed in a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay San Isidro in Antipolo, Rizal on Tuesday.

In his speech during activities held at the Ynares Center and new Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office building, Go said the Bureau of Fire Protection would undergo a modernization program to improve its capabilities in addressing fire-related accidents with the signing of Republic Act 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act.

The measure, which Go authored, directs the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and local government units.

The senator’s team ensured a well-organized distribution and grouped 77 families composed of 359 individuals into smaller batches as they provided financial assistance and relief items such as grocery packs, meals, face masks and vitamins.

Go gave selected residents new pairs of shoes and bicycles that they can use to commute to work or access daily necessities. He gave computer tablets to some residents to help children participate better in classes under the blended learning setup.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed separate financial assistance while the Department of Health provided vitamins and other medicine.

The Department of Agriculture committed to establish a community pantry for the local government while the Department of Trade and Industry assessed potential individuals for livelihood program.