IN his speech at the Liga ng mga Barangay – Capiz Chapter Congress held at SMX Bacolod on Tuesday, May 21, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the vital role of barangay leaders in community development and grassroots progress, acknowledging their essential contributions to uplift the lives of the poor and bring government closer to the people.
The senator recognized their unwavering dedication and service to their fellow Filipinos, which often goes unnoticed amid more significant national issues. The senator also strongly believed empowering the barangays is the cornerstone of a resilient nation.
“Ako po’y nagpapasalamat sa ating barangay officials sa lahat ng inyong serbisyo sa bayan. Hindi po natin mararating ito kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo,” said Go.
“Nais kong batiin ang ating mga masisipag na barangay officials mula sa mga barangay ng Capiz. Kayo po ang tunay na kabalikat ng ating pamahalaan sa paghatid ng serbisyo at suporta sa ating mga kababayan. Ang inyong dedikasyon sa pagtulong at paglilingkod ay hindi matatawaran,” he continued.
The senator commenced by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the more or less 600 barangay leaders in attendance for their tireless efforts within their communities. Furthermore, Go also thanked other officials present, including Capiz Governor Fredenil Castro, Capiz Vice Governor Jaime Magbanua, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez.
Furthermore, Capiz Board Members Gilbert Ardivilla, Cecilio Fecundo, Prince Prince Rovic Gardose, Nico Yap, and Richard Julius Sablan were in attendance.
“Si Senator Bong Go ay isang simpleng tao. Puro siyang tao na kung ano ang lumabas sa kaniyang bibig ay ginagawa niya. Kaya yan ang dahilan kung bakit si Senator Bong Go ay pinaniniwalaan ko, yan ang dahilan kung bakit si Senator Bong Go ay nirerespeto ko. Ang pinaniniwalaan ko ay ang puso niya ay busilak,” Governor Castro highlighted.
Go then stressed why it is essential to empower barangay leaders and how they can positively impact the lives of their constituents. The senator stated that an effective and efficient government starts from the grassroots level, and barangay leaders play an integral part in unity, camaraderie, and cooperation among community members.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, Senator Go underscored the need for increased funding, improved resources, and comprehensive training for barangay officials, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of their communities.
Senator Go has introduced two legislative measures to recognize and support the hard work of barangay officials and health workers. The first, Senate Bill No. 197, also known as the Magna Carta for Barangays, seeks to grant barangay officials the same treatment as regular government employees.
Under this proposed bill, the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer will be eligible to receive salaries, benefits, allowances (such as hazard pay, representation, and transportation allowance), 13th-month pay, and other perks that regular government employees enjoy if enacted into law.
“Alam n’yo mga barangay officials, you are superstars in your own ways sa inyong lugar. Malaki talaga ang inyong papel sa lahat, sa peace and order, sa basic services, delivery of goods, at lahat. Ako, matagal na ako, galing ako sa ibaba, diyan ako sa city hall sa Davao noon,” said Go.
“Full support po ako sa inyo, kung anong maitutulong ko sa mga pasyente ninyo, tutulong ako. Ang pakiusap ko lang sa inyo huwag n’yo pong pabayaan ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, ‘yung mga helpless and hopeless nating kababayan na walang malapitan kung hindi tayo pong nasa gobyerno,” he added.
Furthermore, Go’s advocacy also highlights the essential role of barangay health workers (BHWs), who serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare in their communities. He introduced SBN 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, to ensure fair compensation and benefits for these frontline workers if enacted into law.
This proposed bill acknowledges the invaluable contributions of BHWs in providing primary healthcare services, raising health awareness, and safeguarding community well-being. It aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to prioritize the welfare of BHWs, especially in light of their significant efforts during the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mayroon lang akong isi-share sa inyo, sana po ay maalala ninyo ito sa mahabang panahon. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he shared.
“Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo. Ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos, serbisyo kay Allah. Maraming salamat. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo,” Go concluded.
On the same day, Go was in Anilao, Iloilo, where he joined the celebrations of the 2nd Rose Festival and the inauguration of the town’s Super Health Center.
