Go visits Ipil, aids fire victims

MANILA, Philippines — After attending the launch of the 155th Malasakit Center in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sen. Bong Go checked the situation of over a hundred victims of a fire that occurred in the town on Saturday.

Go recognized local officials – Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Ann Hofer, Ipil Mayor Anamel Olegario and Rep. Antonieta Eudela – for helping the victims.

“I am here to give assistance to the fire victims. What matters is no one among the victims died in the incident. We can still regain all the things that were lost in the fire. We Filipinos are known for being helpful,” Go said.

Held at the Barangay Bongo Gymnasium, Go and his team distributed grocery packs, vitamins, masks, meals, snacks, and shirts to 128 affected families. They also gave away bicycles, phones, watches, shoes, caps, and sports equipment to select beneficiaries.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Housing Authority committed to extend separate financial and housing assistance, respectively.

Livelihood projects will be provided by he Department of Trade and Industry.

To ensure that the government can efficiently address fire-related incidents, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.

The law provides for the acquisition of new fire equipment, hiring of additional personnel and provision of specialized training for firefighters.