Go assures Dumaguete City fire victims better fire safety measures through filed Fire Protection Modernization bill

Dumaguete City - After a fire that razed the campus last month of still unknown origin, Dumaguete City High School (DCHS) is finally getting back on its feet. Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go visited the school yesterday and joined Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones in the turnover of school books and in signifying government's commitment to build 3 new buildings equipped with 32 classrooms.

On the other hand, the senator also facilitated the turnover of a projector with screen, a laptop and 250 monobloc chairs to the school's principal and also handed out notebooks, pad papers and pens to students.

Speaking in front of the school administration, faculty, and studentry, Go assured that he wants to provide fast service as a senator in and out of the office which is why he is visiting every fire-affected area as much as he can.

"Kinausap ko si Pangulong Duterte at kinausap na niya si DepEd Secretary Briones kung mayroon bang pera para mapaayos kaagad. Ngayon mayroon na tayong pera nakuha para dito, hindi lamang 14 classrooms na nasunugan ang itatayo muli, gagawin na itong 32 classrooms. At ngayon na magiging 32 classrooms na ang paaralan, wala nang dahilan para hindi maayos ang inyong pag-aaral, " the senator said.

DepEd Secretary Briones is also grateful for the immediate approval and swift action done by the President and Go towards the school's predicament.

"Maraming salamat Senator, ngayon amin nang iturn-over ang mga librong dala namin pero may mas maganda kaming balita dahil nasiguro na naming matapos ang approval at blessing... we will have additional buildings within this year at hindi na tayo maghihintay na matapos ang klase (o school year bago pa mabuo)," Briones said.

Go also visited another barangay in Dumaguete that was also affected by another fire incident. Forty-five individuals who are survivors of the fire that happened in Brgy. Bagacay were visited by the senator at the barangay's covered court. Go provided assistance to the survivors through relief goods, uniforms for students, and services from various government agencies.

"Pinakiusapan ko po 'yung mga kasamahan ko sa gobyerno katulad ng DSWD, DOH, PAGCOR, PCSO, DTI, TESDA para magpaabot ng tulong sa inyo," he said.

Last Tuesday, the senator filed a bill that would enact the modernization of the country's fire bureau. The bill known as "Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2019", aims to develop the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), ensure public safety by preventing such incidents and in suppressing all kinds of destructive fires.

"Sisilipin natin at paiigtingin ang kampanya sa fire prevention awareness lalo na sa mga gusali at mga kabahayan para maiwasan natin ang mga sakuna tulad nito at para hindi na maranasan ng ating mga kababayan ang ganitong paghihirap," Go said.

He also explained that while the situation in DCHS might be isolated because the origin of the fire is still yet to be known, Go emphasized that there is a need to strengthen rules and regulations with regards to giving permits at the BFP. "Dapat masigurado natin na ang bawat gusali ay sumusunod sa mga guidelines na binibigay ng BFP," Go added.

"Dadagdagan din natin ang mga kagamitan at tauhan, at bibigyan din ang mga ito ng kaukulang training," Go said and stated that in the said bill, Fire Protection Services and fire rescue hotlines must be established in each LGU in the country. Phasing out of old and obsolete major equipment shall be synchronized with providing new equipment in the fire bureau's inventory.

Go also wants monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives implemented in all local government units and public establishments. The scope for establishments also include informal settlers and economically-depressed areas because they mostly experience these fire accidents.

The senator also graced the opening of the 35th Malasakit Center in Siquijor right before he went to Dumaguete. He expressed his pleasure knowing that more Filipinos will be able to acquire financial medical assistance in a fast and efficient manner through the center.

"Masaya ako at nadadagdagan ang ating Malasakit Centers. Ibig sabihin nito, maraming Pilipino ang masaya sa serbisyong ora mismo na handog ng administrasyon pero marami pa ang dapat gawin at sisiguraduhin kong magpapatuloy ang pagpapatayo ng Malasakit Centers sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa," Go said.