SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go delivered a message for the Liga ng mga Barangay-Romblon Chapter Congress in Tagaytay City, on Tuesday, July 23, emphasizing the crucial role of barangay leaders as partners in improving public service delivery at the grassroots.
The adopted son of Romblon, Senator Go found a way to thank the barangay officials via video call, despite being unable to attend in person owing to the severe weather brought on by Tropical Cyclone Carina. He also emphasized that these local leaders are “superstars” in their own right, chosen by the people to lead their individual barangays toward progress, and he acknowledged their crucial role in the lives of their constituents.
Encouraging them to continually strive for service and excellence, the senator assured his steadfast support for initiatives aimed at the betterment of their communities.
“Ang ganitong pagtitipon ay mahalaga hindi lamang para sa ating mga barangay leaders kundi pati na rin para sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga komunidad,” expressed Go.
“Mula pa noong ako ay naglilingkod kasama si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, natutunan ko na ang tunay na kahulugan ng paglilingkod ay ang paggawa ng tama, anuman ang sitwasyon. Ang kanyang bilin na “always do what is right’ ay palaging umuukit sa aking puso at isipan sa tuwing ako ay nagseserbisyo para sa bayan,” he shared.
Held at the Quest Hotel Tagaytay, the Liga ng mga Barangay Congress, led by LNB President Board Member Milo Maulion, serves as a vital platform for barangay officials, community leaders, and stakeholders to converge, share insights, and strategize on enhancing governance and community development across the Romblon.
To show his appreciation, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed shirts, basketballs, volleyballs, and snacks to the barangay officials in attendance.
Go then acknowledged the local officials of Romblon, including Governor Otik Riano, Vice Governor Arming Gutierrez, and the local councilors present, among others, for their unwavering support not only to their constituents but also to the barangay leaders, ensuring their voices are heard for the development of their areas.
“Sa ating pagtitipon ngayon, nakikita ko ang iba’t ibang mukha ng dedikasyon at malasakit—ang mga barangay officials na tunay na nagpapahalaga sa kagalingan ng kanilang mga kabarangay. Sa bawat desisyon at aksyon, palagi ninyong isinasaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng bawat isa. Tunay nga na ang serbisyo sa inyong barangay at serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” Go said.
To properly support barangay officials for the diverse needs of their communities, Go emphasized the need for increased funding, better resources, and thorough training as a member of the Senate Committee on Local Government.
Go filed Senate Bill No. 197, known as the Magna Carta for Barangays, which aims to enhance the capabilities of barangay units to cater to their constituents while also proposing benefits for barangay officials akin to regular government employees.
Go, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also filed Senate Bill No. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, to ensure fair compensation and benefits for these frontline workers if enacted into law.
The Liga ng mga Barangay Congress of Romblon provided a platform for Senator Go to reaffirm his support for local leaders and emphasize their indispensable role in the fabric of the nation’s governance.
Furthermore, Go also encouraged those with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Romblon Provincial Hospital in Odiongan.
Institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored, the Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by streamlining access to various agencies offering medical assistance programs.
Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around 10M Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Go also reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including five in Romblon located at the Municipality of Romblon and towns of San Andres, San Jose, Calatrava, and Magdiwang.
“Tulad ng lagi kong paalala, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he said.
“Ako, bilang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos.” Mr. Malasakit, Senator Go concluded, reinforcing his commitment to support barangay leaders and health workers in their mission to serve the community.
