SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the 89th Founding Anniversary and National Convention of the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines Inc. (NAMPAP) on November 23, 2024, at the Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City.
In his speech, Go, member of the Senate Labor Committee, emphasized the essential contributions of plumbers to Filipino households and establishments while pledging continued legislative support for workers across various industries.
“Maraming salamat sa karangalang ito na makasama kayo sa pagdiriwang ng inyong 89th Founding Anniversary and National Convention ng National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines Inc. na may temang ‘Plumbing Excellence: Innovate, Sustain, and Thrive in 2024.’ Maligayang anibersaryo po sa bawat isa sa inyo!” Go began.
He expressed his admiration for the dedication of plumbers, acknowledging their critical role in ensuring access to clean and safe water for Filipino households.
“Nais ko rin pasalamatan ang lahat ng dumalo sa okasyong ito. Saludo ako sa serbisyong hatid ng mga masisipag na plumbers sa bawat kabahayan at establisimyento sa bansa. Hindi biro ang pagiging isang tubero. Sa inyo nakasalalay ang pagkakaroon ng malinis at maayos na supply ng tubig ang ating mga kababayan.”
Discussing the evolving challenges and opportunities in the plumbing industry, Go stressed the importance of ensuring global competitiveness among Filipino plumbers.
“Kasabay ng inyong pagdiriwang, atin ding pag-uusapan ang iba’t ibang mga pagbabago at mga hamon na nakakaapekto sa plumbing industry. Mahalagang magkaroon ng diskurso ukol dito upang masiguro natin na up to par sa global standards ang mga Pilipinong tubero.”
He also addressed the significance of understanding and complying with industry regulations, particularly Republic Act No. 1378 or the Plumbing Law. He expressed willingness to work with the organization to further promote workers’ welfare and protection.
“Kasama rin sa ating tatalakayin ang mga regulasyon sa plumbing industry, kabilang na nga ang RA 1378 o ang Plumbing Law. Mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng kaalaman sa mga batas at regulasyon na ito upang matiyak natin na maayos nating nagagawa ang ating mga tungkulin. Kung kailangan i-update ang batas na ito, bukas ang aking opisina para makinig sa mga concerns ninyo,” he said.
Go expressed his gratitude to NAMPAP and its leadership for their continued efforts to elevate the plumbing profession. He also provided tokens to attendees present.
“Pinasasalamatan ko rin ang buong NAMPAP, sa pangunguna ng inyong butihing President Richard Mangubat. Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo sa mga minamahal kong Pilipino. Naniniwala rin ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos, serbisyo iyan kay Allah.”
Beyond the plumbing sector, Go shared key aspects of his legislative agenda aimed at supporting Filipino workers. He discussed Senate Bill No. 420, or the “Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP),” which provides temporary employment to displaced and seasonal workers in rural areas.
He also highlighted SBN 1707, which seeks to provide better pay and benefits for social workers, acknowledging their critical role in supporting communities.
Additionally, Go addressed SBN 2107, the “Freelance Workers Protection Bill,” which aims to safeguard the rights of independent workers. The bill includes provisions for mandatory written contracts, night shift differentials, and hazard pay for freelancers working in high-risk environments.
Recognizing the contributions of delivery riders during the pandemic, Go reiterated his support for SBN 1184, or the “Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act.”
Go has also introduced SBN 2504, o ang “Salary Standardization Law VI, which seeks to build upon the provisions of the previously enacted Republic Act No. 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5 which Go served as one of its authors and co-sponsors in the Senate in 2019. He also welcomed a recent executive order by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that mandates significant salary increases for public servants.
Concluding his remarks, Go extended his heartfelt congratulations to NAMPAP on its milestone celebration and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the Filipino people.
“Muli, Happy 89th Founding Anniversary sa inyo! Maraming salamat at mabuhay kayong lahat.”
