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Bong Go Visits Sampaloc Fire Victims, Pushes Relief And Long-Term Support
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Five days after a fire tore through Barangay 580 in Sampaloc, Manila, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go went straight to the ground—choosing to see the damage for himself and speak directly with families trying to piece their lives back together.
On Wednesday, February 11, Go personally inspected the affected area, met with residents along a street in the barangay, and checked on what kind of help was still urgently needed. For the senator, being physically present was part of the response.
“Ang gamit napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever,” Go said, underscoring that while material losses can be replaced, human lives cannot.
He reminded residents not to lose hope despite the hardship.
“Habang buhay tayo, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ako naman, nandito lang para tumulong,” he told the crowd, adding that public service takes him to communities across the country in times of crisis.
Through his office, 33 fire-affected beneficiaries received financial assistance along with grocery packs, snacks, water containers, shirts, vitamins, fruits, and other essential supplies. Some residents also received bicycles, a cellphone, a watch, and new pairs of shoes.
Instead of accepting thanks, Go expressed gratitude to the community.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat. Ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo,” he said.
The senator also took the opportunity to highlight measures aimed at strengthening disaster response and recovery. Among them is Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored to improve fire response capabilities nationwide.
He likewise cited Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, mandating the establishment of safe and resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
To address housing concerns, Go reiterated his support for Senate Bill No. 415, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for families displaced by disasters. If passed, the measure would provide temporary shelter assistance while families transition to permanent housing.
Local officials—including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and Barangay 580 Captain Darwin delos Santos—were also recognized for coordinating the relief efforts.
As families in Sampaloc begin rebuilding from the ashes, Go’s message was clear: recovery may take time, but help—he said—should always be within reach.
On Wednesday, February 11, Go personally inspected the affected area, met with residents along a street in the barangay, and checked on what kind of help was still urgently needed. For the senator, being physically present was part of the response.
“Ang gamit napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever,” Go said, underscoring that while material losses can be replaced, human lives cannot.
He reminded residents not to lose hope despite the hardship.
“Habang buhay tayo, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ako naman, nandito lang para tumulong,” he told the crowd, adding that public service takes him to communities across the country in times of crisis.
Through his office, 33 fire-affected beneficiaries received financial assistance along with grocery packs, snacks, water containers, shirts, vitamins, fruits, and other essential supplies. Some residents also received bicycles, a cellphone, a watch, and new pairs of shoes.
Instead of accepting thanks, Go expressed gratitude to the community.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat. Ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo,” he said.
The senator also took the opportunity to highlight measures aimed at strengthening disaster response and recovery. Among them is Republic Act No. 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored to improve fire response capabilities nationwide.
He likewise cited Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, mandating the establishment of safe and resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
To address housing concerns, Go reiterated his support for Senate Bill No. 415, which seeks to establish a Rental Housing Subsidy Program for families displaced by disasters. If passed, the measure would provide temporary shelter assistance while families transition to permanent housing.
Local officials—including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and Barangay 580 Captain Darwin delos Santos—were also recognized for coordinating the relief efforts.
As families in Sampaloc begin rebuilding from the ashes, Go’s message was clear: recovery may take time, but help—he said—should always be within reach.
Feb 12, 2026
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