Senator Bong Go reaffirmed his continued support for barangay officials and frontline workers, emphasizing their critical role in grassroots governance and public service during his speech at the 2nd Municipal Liga Congress – Lupon Chapter held at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases in Davao City.
Go was joined by barangay officials from various areas, along with Davao Oriental Board Member Don Go Montojo, Lupon Mayor Santos “Sonny” Alonzo Jr. and Lupon Vice Mayor Atty. Christian Lawrence “Chrence” Go.
Addressing barangay leaders, the veteran legislator underscored the central role of barangay officials in addressing community concerns, noting the demanding nature of their work.
“Hindi madali ang inyong ginagawa.”
“Malapit sa aking puso ang mga barangay officials dahil kayo ang tunay na frontliners ng ating gobyerno. Kayo ang unang nilalapitan ng ating mga kababayan kapag may problema, kung may nangangailangan ng tulong, o kahit sa maliliit na alitan sa kapitbahay. Hindi madali ang inyong ginagawa. Madalas kulang kayo sa tulog at pahinga, pero nandiyan pa rin kayo, patuloy na naglilingkod,” the seasoned lawmaker stated.
Reiterating his commitment to supporting local officials, the senator assured attendees that their concerns remain a priority in his work as a legislator.
“Narito ako ngayon upang ipakita ang aking suporta sa inyong lahat. Bilang inyong Senador, nauunawaan ko ang bigat ng responsibilidad na dinadala ng ating mga opisyal kaya patuloy nating isinusulong ang mga batas na makakatulong sa lahat,” he said.
Go also cited his role as one of the authors of Republic Act No. 12254, or the E-Governance Act, which aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of government services through digitalization.
“I am one of the authors of Republic Act No. 12254, or the E-Governance Act, which aims to make government services more efficient, transparent, and accessible through the digitalization of government processes and systems. We believe that through the proper use of technology and data management, services can be delivered faster and the government can be brought closer to the people,” he explained.
Go further mentioned that he is one of the authors of RA 12232, which provides a four-year fixed term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials, recognizing the need for continuity in local governance.
“I am also one of the authors of RA 12232, which sets a four-year fixed term for barangay and SK officials. We recognize the importance of your roles, and it is only fitting that you are given a longer term to better implement your plans for your communities,” he added.
In addition, Go reiterated his support for proposed measures aimed at improving the welfare of barangay officials and health workers.
“In addition, I continue to push for the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks, if enacted, to provide proper salaries, benefits, and allowances for our barangay officials in recognition of your vital role in governance. We know that you are on the frontlines of service, so it is only right that you are given adequate support,” he said.
“We are also advocating for the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, to ensure proper compensation and benefits for our Barangay Health Workers who tirelessly help safeguard the health of our fellow citizens in the community,” Go continued.
He stressed that public service must always be guided by compassion and a genuine concern for others.
“Kailangang laging may malasakit, pagmamahal, at paglilingkod sa lipunan at sa kapwa.”
“Sa bawat hakbang natin sa Senado, ang kapakanan ng ating mga constituents ang palaging nasa isip. Kailangang laging may malasakit, pagmamahal, at paglilingkod sa lipunan at sa kapwa. Ito ang gabay natin sa bawat araw na tayo ay nasa posisyon. Huwag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa akin kung may pangangailangan ang inyong komunidad. Narito ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go na handang magserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said.
He concluded his speech with a reminder on the urgency of helping others whenever possible.
“Before I conclude, I would just like to share a reminder that I always carry with me wherever I go. Let us remember that we only pass through this world once. Whatever goodness or help we can extend to others, let us do it now, because we will not pass this way again,” Go said.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na maglilingkod sa ating lahat dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang Lupon!” he added.
Before the event, Go also assisted fire victims in Barangay Buhangin in Davao City.
