Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited fire-affected residents in Davao City on Saturday, July 4, 2026, delivering assistance to communities recovering from separate fire incidents in Barangays Ilang and 19-B.
Relief Distribution in Barangay Ilang
Go first visited Barangay Ilang, where 152 families affected by the June 23 fire received support. Beneficiaries were given financial assistance, snacks, grocery packs, water containers, shirts, vitamins, basketballs or volleyballs. Select recipients also received shoes, a watch, a bicycle, and a mobile phone.
Support for Barangay 19-B
Later that afternoon, Go proceeded to Barangay 19-B, where 110 families affected by the June 7 fire received similar aid. The national government also assessed eligible residents for possible assistance to address housing and livelihood needs.
Emphasis on Health and Healthcare Access
“Importante po sa akin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Sabi ko nga, ang gamit ay mabibili natin ‘yan, ang pera ay kikitain ‘yan kung magsusumikap tayo. Pero ang buhay, hindi po nabibili. Importante pong buhay tayo, at kilala po ang mga Pilipino sa pagtutulungan,” Go said.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, urged residents to prioritize their well-being and seek medical attention when necessary. He encouraged beneficiaries to avail of government healthcare programs, particularly the Malasakit Centers initiative, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored.
According to the Department of Health, more than 17 million Filipinos have benefited from the 167 established Malasakit Centers nationwide. In Davao City, a Malasakit Center is available at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, launched on September 25, 2018 as the ninth in the country.
Long-Term Disaster Resilience Measures
Go emphasized that disaster response must be matched by long-term reforms. He highlighted RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. The law enhances firefighting capabilities through modern equipment, training, and institutional support.
He also cited his role as principal author and co-sponsor of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities. The measure aims to provide safer temporary shelters with access to basic services like healthcare and sanitation.
Go continues to push for additional measures, including Senate Bill No. 173 (Department of Disaster Resilience Act), SBN 415 (Rental Housing Subsidy Act), and SBN 669 (Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel Act).
Acknowledgments and Closing
In Barangay Ilang, Go acknowledged 2nd District City Councilor Che-Che Justol-Baguilod, Barangay Captain Amado Babao, and barangay kagawads. In Barangay 19-B, he acknowledged 1st District City Councilor Atty. Luna Acosta, Barangay Captain Loreto Galvez Nicolas, barangay kagawad Jenny Ann Nicolas, and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman Robin Lo.
“Magseserbisyo po ako sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
