SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go continues to promote community-based fire prevention efforts to raise awareness on safety measures to avoid fire incidents.

During his visit to Cateel and Lupon, Davao Oriental on Friday, January 26, he witnessed the turnover of firetrucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for the community. Go, as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported efforts to enhance capabilities of firefighters nationwide.

Go was accompanied by Board Member Stephen Paul Uy, Cateel Mayor Emilou Nuñez, Lupon Vice Mayor Sonny Alonzo, San Isidro Mayor Angel Go, Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat, among others during the gathering held at Barangay Dawan court in Mati City.

“Palakpakan din natin ang ating mga mayor ng Cateel at Lupon… nakiusap sila noon sa Bureau of Fire upang mabigyan ang komunidad doon ng fire truck dahil malalayo ang kanilang mga lugar,” shared Go who thanked the BFP for responding to the needs of the community.

According to Go, this underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening local fire response capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

He added that the provision of these fire trucks is a crucial step in empowering local fire departments. These vehicles will significantly improve the ability of firefighters to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively. The availability of modern fire-fighting equipment is vital in minimizing the damage caused by fires, which can lead to loss of life and property.

“Ako po ay lubos na nagagalak at taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong ito na makasama kayo sa mahalagang okasyong ito – ang turnover ng mga bagong fire trucks sa inyong komunidad,” said Go.

“Sana po ay ang mga fire trucks na ito ay magsilbing paalala sa ating lahat ng kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at pagiging handa sa lahat ng oras. Kasama ninyo ako sa layuning ito, at patuloy akong magiging katuwang ninyo sa pagtataguyod ng mas ligtas at mas maunlad na komunidad,” he underscored.

Senator Go drew attention to the broader context of his legislative work, particularly his role in authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the BFP Modernization Act.

This legislation mandates the BFP to embark on a ten-year modernization plan, signaling a significant phase in the country’s approach to fire safety and prevention.

Under this Act, the modernization plan includes several key components, such as the acquisition of advanced fire-fighting equipment, akin to the fire trucks delivered to Cateel and Lupon.

Additionally, the plan calls for the recruitment of more firefighters to bolster manpower.

Recognizing the evolving nature of firefighting challenges, the Act also provides for specialized training programs to equip firefighters with the skills needed to tackle various emergencies effectively.