12/08/2026
B**g Go aids fire-affected families in Bislig City, reiterates push for stronger fire prevention and disaster response
Senator Christopher “B**g” Go extended assistance to families affected by separate fire incidents in Barangays Tabon and Mangagoy in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, on Monday, August 10, as he reiterated the need to strengthen fire prevention, emergency response, and support for families recovering from disasters.
Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act, which mandates a modernization program for the BFP, including the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment, expansion of its workforce, and specialized training for firefighters.
He is also the principal author and co-sponsor of RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and adequately equipped evacuation centers in cities and municipalities.
Under the law, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council determines the prioritization of evacuation centers, the Department of Public Works and Highways undertakes their construction, and local government units are responsible for their operation and maintenance.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a dedicated agency focused on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Go likewise filed SBN 415, which seeks to provide rental housing assistance to qualified informal settlers and families displaced by disasters, as well as SBN 669, which proposes hazard pay for qualified disaster response personnel.
He also filed SBN 666, or the proposed New Building Code, as part of efforts to update standards for safer and more disaster-resilient structures.
Go joined the relief activity through a video call, extending his sympathies to the affected families and assuring them of continued assistance as they work to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
The fire in Barangay Tabon occurred on August 6, and affected 81 families, while another fire struck Barangay Mangagoy on August 7, affecting 10 families. The two incidents displaced a total of 91 families.
Go’s team provided each affected family with financial assistance, grocery packs, water containers, burgers, shirts, vitamins, pens, and basketballs or volleyballs. Selected beneficiaries also received shoes, a cellphone, and a watch through a raffle conducted during the activity.
Go thanked Bislig City Mayor Enciong Garay, Vice Mayor Conrad Cejoco, Councilor Matet Almanon Balondo, Barangay Tabon Captain Eladio Galano, Barangay Mangagoy Captain Aaron Castillo, Grover Viduya, and other local officials and personnel who assisted the affected residents.
The senator emphasized that families who lose their homes to fires need both immediate relief and sustained assistance as they recover from the sudden loss of shelter, belongings, and sources of income.
Go maintained that disaster response must go beyond assisting in an emergency, stressing the importance of reducing risks before tragedy strikes through stronger fire protection systems, safer infrastructure, better evacuation facilities, and more capable responders.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.
**gGo
