AFTER helping thousands of fire victims in Tondo, Manila City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was a guest speaker and expressed his admiration and support for the barangay leaders who attended the Liga ng mga Barangay National Congress – Cluster 4 in Pasay City, where approximately 4,000 barangay officials from various regions of the country gathered to strengthen their capacities in local governance.
The event, held at the SMX Convention Center on September 24, showcased the unity and commitment of barangay leaders from provinces like Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Leyte, Zamboanga City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City, Zamboanga del Sur, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Naga City.
In his message, Go emphasized the pivotal role of barangay officials in ensuring good governance at the grassroots level.
“Ang mga barangay officials ang una at pinakamahalagang haligi ng ating pamahalaan sa lokal na antas. Kayo po ang unang tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Ang inyong papel sa pamamahala ay susi sa pag-abot natin ng tunay na pagbabago para sa mas maunlad na bansa,” Go stated.
The senator highlighted how barangay leaders serve as the bridge between the national government and local communities, ensuring the effective implementation of policies that promote welfare, disaster preparedness, and socio-economic growth.
“Mahalaga po ang inyong tungkulin sa pagpapalaganap ng mabuting pamamahala at maayos na serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Kayo po ang gumagabay sa ating komunidad upang maging ligtas at handa sa anumang hamon,” he said.
Go also acknowledged the diverse group of attendees, which included barangay officials from various regions across the Philippines, noting the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in strengthening governance in rural and urban areas alike.
“Napakahalaga ng inyong pagsasama-sama dito ngayon. Ang inyong karanasan at mga natutunan ay magsisilbing inspirasyon at gabay para sa iba’t ibang komunidad na inyong pinaglilingkuran.”
As an advocate for grassroots empowerment, Go reiterated his push for legislative measures that provide better support and recognition for barangay officials. He particularly mentioned Senate Bill No. 197, the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to officially recognize barangay leaders as regular government employees. The bill aims to provide better compensation, security of tenure, and additional benefits for barangay officials, enabling them to perform their duties with greater stability and motivation.
In addition, Go emphasized that good governance is deeply rooted in accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of the people. He called on the barangay leaders to continue being proactive in their respective areas, ensuring that their communities are safe, resilient, and thriving.
“Kayo po ang pinakakinatawan ng ating pamahalaan sa mata ng ating mga kababayan. Tiwala po ako na ipagpapatuloy ninyo ang paglilingkod ng buong puso, lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna at iba pang krisis,” he said.
Go also took the opportunity to express his ongoing commitment to supporting barangay officials, not only through legislation but also by backing programs and initiatives that improve their communities’ infrastructure, disaster resilience, and overall quality of life. The senator provided tokens during the event as part of his recognition of the barangay leaders, further solidifying his dedication to their cause.
The event was attended by several national and regional LNB officials, including LNB National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy of Isabela, who led the congress. Other national officials in attendance included Secretary General Celestino Martinez III of Cebu, Executive Vice President Maria Martina Gimenez of Leyte, Vice President for Luzon Ramon Ortega, Jr. of La Union, Vice President for Visayas Julius Tajanlangit of Antique, Auditor Marcelino Fernandez of Dagupan City, Executive Secretary Richard Julius Sablan of Negros Occidental, Cultural Advisor Rebecca Padilla of Camarines Norte, and Political Advisor Abdul Rashid Balindong of BARMM.
Acknowledging the vital role of the regional and chapter leaders, Go also extended his appreciation to the LNB Regional and Chapter Presidents who were present, such as Regional 1 President Constante Benzon of Ilocos Sur and CARAGA President Gemma Tabada of Butuan City. Chapter Presidents Rommel Torres of Quirino, John Babli-Ing of Nueva Vizcaya, Jose Arturo Eñano of Sorsogon, Ralf Tolosa of Aklan, Nico Yap of Capiz, Marcelo Malones, Jr. of Guimaras, Danilio Dueñas of Southern Leyte, Arturo Dubongco, Jr. of Northern Samar, Roel Amban of Zamboanga del Sur, Wahab Dagalangit of Maguindanao del Norte, Datu Suod Matalam of Maguindanao del Sur, and Solaiman Adtong of Cotabato City were also acknowledged for their contributions to local governance.
In conclusion, Go encouraged barangay officials to maintain their dedication to public service, as they play an indispensable role in shaping the future of the country.
“Sa bawat barangay na pinamumunuan ninyo, nariyan po ang pundasyon ng ating bayan. Sama-sama nating isulong ang kaunlaran, kapayapaan, at kaligtasan para sa bawat Pilipino.”
“Mahalagang maipagpatuloy natin ang mabuting pamamahala, ang pagpapabuti sa kalidad ng serbisyong publiko, at ang pagpaprayoridad sa kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan. Dahil alam kong pare-parehas tayo ng bisyo, ang magserbisyo,” he ended.
On the same day, Philip Salvador, represented Go during the Liga ng Mga Barangay – Bulacan Chapter congress in Cebu City.
