SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his appreciation for the efforts of local councilors to help their constituents particularly the poor and vulnerable sectors during the Philippine Councilors’ League Visayas Island Congress at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City on Thursday, April 11.
During his address, Go, often referred to as “Mr. Malasakit” for his compassionate service to vulnerable communities, emphasized the common goal shared by government officials, regardless of their titles, which is to serve the people effectively and prioritize those who need government attention the most.
“Alam nyo kanina, marami po ang nagsasabi, nagpapasalamat sa amin ni dating pangulong Duterte sa mga programa, sa mga tulong. Salamat sa akin, (sa) Malasakit Center at iba pang programang ating isinulong. Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po, kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan nyo po kami ng pagkakataon na makaserbisyo sa inyo. Maraming-maraming salamat po,” expressed Go who likewise gave away balls, local delicacies and other forms of support to the councilors in attendance.
“Hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay nyo po sa akin na makapagserbisyo po sa inyong lahat. Kilala nyo naman po ako, handa po akong magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi po ako pulitiko na mangangako, basta magtatrabaho lang ako,” he stressed.
Senator Go highlighted the diverse challenges faced by various regions and localities across the country. He then stressed the importance of collaboration and mutual support of national and local government leaders.
“It is essential that we support each other’s initiatives and work together to bring about the positive changes our constituents need,” said Go.
“Naiintindihan ko po kayo, pareho lang tayo ng trabaho. On a national scale lang po yung aming trabaho bilang senador. Kayo rin po’y mambabatas, pero hindi maiiwasan na kayo talaga ang lapitan ng mga tao ‘di ba? Kayo ‘yung pinaka frontline ng serbisyo,” Go cited.
“Ako po’y naniniwala na ang trabaho ng mambabatas ay hindi lamang po legislation. Kasama na diyan ang constituency at representation. Lahat po ng ating mga kababayan ay dapat bigyan po at pagtuunan ng pansin. Tulungan po natin sila lalo na yung mga mahihirap na walang ibang matakbuhan,” he urged.
Furthering his commitment to enhancing the capacities of public servants, Senator Go has put forward Senate Bill No. 2504, also known as the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 6. This bill seeks to increase the salary schedule of civilian personnel in the Philippine government. It continues the efforts initiated under the previous SSL 5, which Go also authored and co-sponsored.
In addition to financial reforms, Go has advocated for technological advancements in government to reduce red tape, avoid corruption, and improve efficiency of public service delivery through his filed SBN 194, or the proposed E-Governance Act.
“Bilang Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” underscored Go as he continues his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
Moroeover, Go reminded fellow public servants to continue dedicating their lives to serving others and fulfilling their mandate to the people.
“Isa pong karangalan ang mamatay habang naglilingkod sa kanyang sariling bayan. Gusto ko kung mamatay man ako ay habang nagtatrabaho, hindi yung walang ginagawa na nakaupo lang… kung panahon mo na, panahon mo na talaga. Gamitin natin ang panahon na ito na nagseserbisyo sa ating kapwa,” Go asserted.
In the end, Go expressed his gratitude towards all councilors in attendance, saying, “Sana’y sa ating pagsasama-sama, hindi lang natin mapalakas ang ating mga ugnayan kundi magkaroon din tayo ng mga bagong kaalaman at estratehiya na magagamit natin sa pagpapabuti ng ating serbisyo sa bayan. Ang inyong dedikasyon at pagsisikap ay tunay na nagbibigay inspirasyon at lakas hindi lang sa inyong mga lokal na pamahalaan kundi pati na rin sa buong bansa.”
“Para sa akin kayo po ay superstar in your own rights at pinili po kayo ng tao. Pangalagaan po natin yung tiwala po na ibinigay po sa inyo ng ating mga kababayan. Malay nyo po pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang maging senador ng bayang ito. Isa lang po ang sikreto dyan at natutunan ko po ito kay dating Pangulong Duterte – mahalin po natin ang kapwa natin Pilipino at hinding-hindi po tayo magkakamali diyan,” he concluded.
On the same day, Go attended the Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPHA) Annual National Convention Opening Ceremonies at the Iloilo Convention Center and provided assistance to displaced workers and typhoon victims in Pototan. He also inspected the Super Health Center in Barangay Palaguia in Pototan.
