SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go attended the induction ceremony of the new officers of the Structural Engineers Association of Davao (SEAD) at the Sotogrande Hotel in Davao City on Saturday, January 27.
In his address, Go congratulated the newly inducted leaders of SEAD. As part of his appreciation, Go gave away pens and balls for basketball and volleyball to 25 structural engineers present.
He then acknowledged their significant contribution to Davao’s development and the nation’s progress.
“Ako po’y masaya at naging part ng nakaraang Duterte administration especially yung isinulong na Build Build Build Programs. Kita n’yo sa Maynila ngayon may mga dagdag na skyway, sa Cebu, from Cordova to Cebu may mga bridges dito, mga bypass, and even Davao maganda na ang ating coastal. Ginagamit talaga ang pera sa tama. Alam n’yo fair siya noon. Sabi n’ya pagkaupo pa lang n’ya, walang pabor-pabor sa akin ha. Gusto kong unahin ang interes ng Pilipino. Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng Pilipino. Masaya ako at proud ako na naging part of his administration,” Go shared.
Go also highlighted the government’s recognition of the value of the engineering profession. He reassured the attendees of his commitment to supporting the advancement of structural engineering in the country.
”As we all know, Davao has been growing rapidly. At lahat po rito sa inyo has a part in it… This growth brings with it a multitude of challenges and opportunities particularly in the field of structural engineering. Your role as engineers is crucial in ensuring that our infrastructures are not only world class, but also resilient against many natural challenges we face as a nation,” he said.
Go shared that the government must recognize the indispensable value of their profession and should be committed to supporting the advancement of structural engineering in the Philippines.
“We understand that through your expertise, we can build safer, more efficient, and sustainable structures that will serve the Filipino people for generations to come,” he elaborated.
The senator emphasized the critical role of SEAD’s new officers as pioneers of innovation and excellence in their field. He encouraged them to maintain a culture of integrity, professionalism, and continual learning within the organization.
“Collaborate, not just among yourselves, but with the government, the academe, and other stakeholders. Together, we can achieve a vision of a structurally sound and progressive Davao, and by extension, a more resilient Philippines,” Go urged.
“Together, let us work towards a future where our structures stand not only as testaments of our skill and ingenuity but also as symbols of our unwavering spirit and dedication to our people,” he concluded.
Go previously introduced Senate Bill No. 1181, also referred to as the Philippine Building Act of 2022, as he is aware of the profound impact natural disasters have on the country’s economy and the safety of its citizens. This proposed legislation aims to revise Presidential Decree 1096, the National Building Code of the Philippines, to ensure that all constructions adhere to the concept of “building back better.”
This bill focuses on safeguarding lives and reducing the effects of disasters by establishing required standards and criteria for all buildings and structures.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation aims to enhance the regulation of the planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures, both public and private. It advocates for building resilience to natural and man-made disasters, ensuring safer and more secure structures nationwide.
Go has also introduced SBN 2114, the Infrastructure Flagship Programs and Projects Act. This proposed legislation aims to establish a framework that accelerates the implementation of key infrastructure projects spearheaded by the national government.
The bill recognizes these infrastructure endeavors’ crucial impact on the nation’s economic growth. It emphasizes the government’s responsibility to initiate and complete projects that drive development and progress.
This legislative effort aligns with the trajectory set by the “Build, Build, Build” program of former president Rodrigo Duterte. This program was a pivotal element of Duterte’s tenure, emphasizing the rapid development of the country’s infrastructure.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin, noon pa kay dating President Duterte sa mga Build Build Build Program niya. Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil trabaho naman po namin ‘yan. Kami ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil kami’y mga probinsyano lamang na taga-Davao na binigyan ninyo ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa Pilipino. Hindi ko po sasayangin ang pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo,” Go emphasized.
Continuing this momentum, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has committed to furthering and expanding the “Build, Build, Build” Program. His approach, dubbed the “Build Better More” initiative, adopts a more diversified funding strategy and strategically implements Public-Private Partnerships to advance infrastructure development.
