ON Friday, April 26, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the Liga ng Barangay (LNB) – Sorsogon Chapter Congress held at the Royce Hotel in Clark, Pampanga, where he addressed 269 barangay officials from seven cities and municipalities.
The event’s theme, “Enhancing Good Governance: Navigating the Path to Transparency, Accountability, and Inclusive Decision-Making,” was central to Senator Go’s address. Known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate brand of service to vulnerable sectors, Go discussed the importance of integrity and transparency in local governance, emphasizing that effective leadership requires compassion and accountability at all levels of government.
“Sa pagpapalakas ng good governance, mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng transparency at accountability sa bawat antas ng pamahalaan. Ngunit, alam natin na ang tunay na pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa grassroots—sa ating mga barangay. Sa pamamagitan ng inyong dedikasyon at malasakit, maisasakatuparan natin ang inklusibong paggawa ng desisyon na magbibigay-daan sa mas maayos na serbisyo publiko at lokal na pag-unlad,” Go started in his speech.
The senator expressed his gratitude to the officials for their dedication and commitment to their communities, emphasizing their role as public servants focused on uplifting the lives of their constituents.
“Gusto ko munang pasalamatan ang mga dapat po nating pasalamatan ngayon—ang ating mga frontliners sa panahon ng pandemya, ang ating mga barangay officials na nagsakripisyo upang marating po natin ang kinatatayuan natin. Kayo po ay mga superstars in your own rights,” said Go.
During the congress, the presence of LNB officers, led by LNB President and Gubat Board Member Jose Arturo Enano, and the board of directors Rolando Esmeria from Casiguran and Vicent Esteves from Barcelona, among others, was also acknowledged by Senator Go.
“Senator, kami pong mga taga-Sorsogon, malaki ang utang na loob namin sa inyo at hindi namin kayo pababayaan… Laking pasasalamat talaga namin kay Senator Bong Go. Ako na mismo ang magsasabi sa inyong lahat na, wala siyang ibang iniisip kundi kapakanan ng mga Pilipino,” LNB President Enano expressed.
Go further underscored the importance of local governance and barangay officials’ instrumental role in national development.
“Matagal po akong nagtrabaho sa local government. Alam ko ang trabaho ng isang kapitan. Kayo po ang nakakaharap ko, mga kapitan, kagawad. Umaga pa lang sa city hall hanggang gabi, hanggang sa huling minuto nasa city hall ako, (puro) kapitan at kagawad ang kaharap ko. Kayo ang nagdadala ng serbisyo, lahat ng frontline services – (kung) problema, away dito, patay, sakit ‘di ba? Kaya dapat po’y tulungan natin ang mga barangay officials,” he underlined.
“Ituring nyo rin po ako na parang barkada lang po ninyo. Pareho naman tayo ng trabaho, ang trabaho lang namin ay on a national scale. Pareho po ang ating hangarin, public service. Isa lang po ang maipapayo ko sa inyo, malay nyo pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang maging lider o senador ng bansang ito. Ang maipapayo ko lang po sa inyo ay mahalin nyo po ang ating kapwa Pilipino. Hinding-hindi po tayo magkakamali diyan,” Go advised.
To show appreciation to the barangay leaders in attendance, Go and his Malasakit Team gave tokens, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. There were also select recipients of shoes, mobile phones, bicycles, and watches.
Meanwhile, Senator Go has actively pushed for legislative measures to enhance barangay officials’ welfare. A key topic of his address was Senate Bill 197, the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays. This bill seeks to improve the services provided by barangay units while advocating for better support for barangay workers, proposing benefits similar to those received by regular government employees.
The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays would ensure that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, SK chairperson, barangay secretary, and barangay treasurer, are treated akin to regular government staff with salaries, benefits, and allowances, if enacted into law.
Additionally, Senator Go discussed his commitment to the welfare of barangay health workers through SBN 427 or the proposed Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Benefits Act.
This proposed legislation aims to provide BHWs with a monthly honorarium and a comprehensive benefits package that includes allowances, job security, regular training, and skill development opportunities. If enacted into law, the proposed benefits would build on and enhance those provided under Republic Act No. 7883, the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995.
“Sa ating sama-samang pagsisikap at patuloy na pagtutulungan, malalampasan natin ang mga pagsubok at makakamit natin ang isang pamahalaang tunay na naglilingkod sa bayan—na may puso, may pananagutan, at bukas sa lahat,” Go encouraged.
Earlier that day, Go was in Tagaytay City, where he attended the Southern Leyte Chapter’s Philippine Councilors’ League. The senator then wrapped up his day by attending the Naval Officers Qualification Course Charlie Alumni Association’s Charlie Night in Taguig City.
