Press Release
September 8, 2010

SEN BONG REVILLA LEADS RELIEF OPERATION TO FIRE VICTIMS

SENATOR Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. today led a relief operation in Navotas City Sports Complex, which served as temporary shelter for 2,000 families who were displaced after a fire gutted three barangays in Navotas City on August 26.

Bong Revilla, together with Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, distributed 2,000 packs of rice and canned goods to the fire victims at about 10 a.m.

It could be recalled that a fire broke two weeks ago in a densely populated area on Davila Street, Navotas West. It quickly spread in Barangays Sipak Almasen and Pitong Gatang.

The senator learned that the areas razed by the fire were overpopulated and their houses were built with light materials.

According to Bong Revilla, he authored a law - RA 9514 - that controls and suppresses all kinds of fire-destructive materials. He further said that the same law also requires the fire authorities to conduct regular inspections on buildings and residential areas as precautionary measures against fire hazards.

"It is common for densely populated areas such as these barangays to have homes that built with substandard materials. While we understand that some of the residents have budgetary constraints and often unable to invest in sturdier building materials, they should understand that the fire code was placed there to prevent the occurrence of events such as this. I am appealing to the people to invest in their homes by building them with materials that are not fire hazards. Safety should be our first priority," he said.

The senator also recommended to Tiangco that the local government should opt for a long-term relocation plan to prevent the incident from happening again.

It was also learned that most of the affected victims were fishermen. Bong Revilla further suggested that aside from relocation, the Navotas government should also sponsor an alternative livelihood program for those who were displaced from the shoreline areas.

Aside from formulating laws, the senator has been active in assisting victims of natural calamities through his Kaagapay sa Araw ng Pangangailangan (KAP) relief operations.

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