24/08/2025
Despite bad weather, Senator B**g Go brings hope and support to fire victims in Davao City to help them recover
On Friday, August 22, Senator Christopher “B**g” Go personally reached out to fire victims in Davao City, underscoring his continuing advocacy to prioritize the welfare of ordinary Filipinos in times of crisis.
Despite inclement weather, the senator met with families who had recently lost their homes in two separate fire incidents, assuring them of his support and offering tangible aid to help them recover.
“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang gamit po, napapalitan, pero ang buhay ay hindi. A lost life is a lost life forever. Magtulungan lang po tayo, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kundi tayo kapwa Pilipino. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added, emphasizing the importance of bayanihan spirit in times of adversity.
The fire on August 18 affected 183 families. 126 came from Purok San Isidro in Barangay Agdao Proper, while 57 were residents of Brgy. Leon Garcia. During the relief activity held at the Skatepark in Brgy. Agdao Proper, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed financial assistance, snacks, grocery packs, water containers, shirts, basketballs, volleyballs, vitamins, and fans. A select recipient received a phone.
Meanwhile, Go highlighted the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021, which he principally authored and co-sponsored. He pointed to its role in strengthening the capabilities of fire personnel to respond more effectively to similar emergencies.
In addition, Go cited Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he also principally authored and co-sponsored. The law mandates the establishment of safe and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every municipality and city nationwide.
He acknowledged the role of barangay leaders and officials who have been instrumental in extending immediate assistance to the affected families. In Barangay Agdao Proper, these included Barangay Captain Rodolfo Cagatin, SK Chairman Harrison Telmo, and the barangay kagawads.
In Barangay Leon Garcia, Barangay Captain Lita Empis, SK Chairman Jasper Jhon Javier, and barangay kagawads were also recognized for their active participation and coordination.
Go stressed that by working with local leaders, recovery and rehabilitation become more efficient, allowing victims to receive timely help and guidance.
His visit was not limited to distributing relief packs. Go personally engaged with residents, reflecting his longstanding advocacy of malasakit, or compassion in public service.
In one encounter, he saw a young boy selling fish in Agdao Proper. To ease the boy’s burden and allow him to return home to his family earlier, Go purchased the fish and gave him a ball as a gift. This gesture not only provided financial relief but also encouraged the child to enjoy his youth and focus on sports and schooling.
Go also gave shoes to two residents who were still searching for salvageable items from the remains of their burned homes. The simple gift brought smiles and hope amid hardship, serving as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact during difficult times.
Beyond these encounters, Go distributed school bags to children, underscoring the importance of continuing education even after a tragedy. He also provided balls to encourage young people to stay active in sports and away from harmful vices such as illegal drugs.
He reminded the youth to study well for a better future, emphasizing that education is a pathway toward opportunities.
By combining institutional support with personal compassion, Go once again demonstrated how public service can be anchored in empathy and solidarity.
“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.
