Tisa fire victims get help from Malasakit

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 28 families affected by a fire in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, benefited from financial aid and relief goods distributed by the Malasakit team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

The assistance was distributed at the Tisa Barangay Hall on Tuesday, August 4, in coordination with local officials.

The affected families received financial aid, grocery packs, water containers, snacks, shirts, vitamins, bags, basketballs, and volleyballs. Some beneficiaries also received shoes.

The national government also conducted an assessment for possible housing assistance for families whose homes were affected by the fire.

Go addressed the affected families through a video call and urged them not to lose hope, stressing the importance of helping one another during difficult times.

“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayong kapwa Pilipino. Siguraduhin lang po natin na nag-iingat po tayo,” Go said.

He said responding to the immediate needs of communities affected by disasters should remain a priority regardless of the prevailing political climate.

Go also highlighted measures aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness and response to fires and other disasters.

He recently authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which provides for a 10-year modernization program for the BFP, including improved equipment, enhanced training, additional firefighters, and intensified fire prevention campaigns in coordination with local government units.

He also principally authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which requires the establishment of permanent and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality.

The law provides that these evacuation centers should be equipped with basic health, sanitation, and safety facilities and designed to withstand disasters.

Go’s assistance to the Tisa fire victims is also in line with his previous relief efforts for families affected by fires and other calamities across the country.

His office has also coordinated with local officials and national government agencies in assessing the needs of affected families and facilitating possible additional assistance, including medical, financial, and housing support.

Go said government assistance must reach disaster victims as soon as possible, particularly during the first days following a calamity, when families are most in need of food, water, and other basic necessities.

He acknowledged the support of Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Tisa Barangay Captain Bernardo Lapiña Jr., and Barangay Kagawad Sonia Cal.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo para sa inyo dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said. (CEBU NEWS)