ON behalf of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, his Malasakit Team visited the town of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental on Saturday, October 26, to extend assistance to 1,000 residents, including farmers, fisherfolk, and women from various barangays.
In his message, Go emphasized the essential roles these groups play in the community’s development and underscored his commitment to supporting them in overcoming economic challenges. Alongside the local government led by Mayor Juanito Inojales and Vice Mayor aspirant XZ May Inojales, Go’s team provided aid to help address the immediate needs of the town’s vulnerable residents.
During the gathering at the municipal gym, Go’s team distributed snacks, grocery packs, and shirts to all beneficiaries while there were also select recipients of sling bags, basketballs, volleyballs, bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and a watch.
Furthermore, in collaboration with local leaders including Lupon Councilor John Erwin “Don” Montojo, the government provided financial assistance to the residents suffering from escalating cost of goods and limited income opportunities.
Go also urged local leaders to prioritize programs that bolster economic development and uplift livelihoods of indigent families, saying,
“Patuloy kaming tutulong sa inyong pagbangon at pag-unlad, at kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hakbang.”
Farmers and fisherfolk, the backbone of Governor Generoso’s local economy, were particularly acknowledged by Go for their indispensable contributions. “Ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda ay mahalaga sa ating komunidad—sila ang nagpapanatiling may pagkain sa ating mesa,” he remarked.
Recognizing the recent struggles faced by these sectors, he assured them that they are not alone in their pursuit of stability and growth. Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, also stressed that his office remains dedicated to supporting agriculture and fishing initiatives that will help sustain the livelihoods of these groups in the face of rising economic pressures.
Go was one of the authors of Republic Act 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity.
Moreover, Go served as a co-sponsor and co-author in the Senate of RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. This legislation condones loans accrued by agrarian reform beneficiaries, encompassing the related interests, penalties, and surcharges.
He also highlighted the significant role of women, particularly in micro-enterprises and community initiatives that foster resilience and unity.
“Napakahalaga ng papel ng kababaihan dito sa Governor Generoso. Sa kanilang sipag at determinasyon, mas lalo nilang pinapalakas ang kanilang komunidad,” Go noted, pledging ongoing support for women-led initiatives.
Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of RA 11861, which amended RA 8972, or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 to grant additional benefits to solo parents, most of whom are women.
“Bilang inyong Kuya Bong Go, lagi po akong nandito para sa inyo. Ang malasakit ko sa inyo ay hindi nagbabago at tuloy-tuloy ang aking suporta sa inyong mga pangangailangan,” Go assured.
“Ako ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” concluded Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit.
On the same day, Go personally visited Banaybanay town, where he led another relief effort to more indigents.
