Stronger agri support pushed
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Filipino farmers, strengthening healthcare services, and promoting youth and sports development during the Carmen, Bohol Farmers Congress.
Invited by Mayor Conchita Torbio delos Reyes, Senator Go addressed a gathering of farmers and local officials, highlighting his hands-on approach to governance from advocating for food security to improving access to medical services, as well as in empowering the youth as future leaders of the nation.
“Para sa mga magsasaka, dapat bigyan kayo ng prayoridad. Kailangan laging masaya ang ating mga magsasaka, dapat busog kayo, dapat kayo ang kumikita para hindi magutom ang mga Pilipino,” he told the farmers.
A member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Go emphasized that farmers are the backbone of the country’s food security and must be prioritized in government programs.
He cited his legislative efforts, particularly as a co-author of Republic Act No. 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022. This law strengthens financial mechanisms for farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring they have access to essential resources that enhance productivity and livelihood.
Senator Go has also championed policies that ease the burdens faced by agrarian reform beneficiaries. He co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones unpaid land amortizations, including accumulated interest, penalties, and surcharges.
To further secure the livelihood of farmers, Senator Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2117, which seeks to establish a comprehensive crop insurance program for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and SBN 2118, which aims to expand insurance coverage for farmers. These measures, he explained, are designed to protect them from unforeseen losses due to natural calamities and other risks if enacted into laws.
However, ensuring food security goes beyond financial support. Senator Go stressed that the country cannot depend on imported goods and must strengthen local food production instead. He called for direct government assistance to small farmers to sustain their productivity and secure their well-being.
As part of his support for agriculture, Senator Go has also advocated for infrastructure development to enhance rural connectivity and economic growth, particularly in Bohol. These include road construction, bridge development, and the rehabilitation of key routes across the province. He emphasized that such initiatives will help farmers transport their goods more efficiently, improving market access and livelihood opportunities.
But while food security is crucial, Senator Go underscored that accessible healthcare is just as essential, particularly for indigent Filipinos. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, he has championed efforts to make medical services more readily available, including the expansion of Super Health Centers, continuing operations of Malasakit Centers and establishment of Regional Specialty Centers.
“Itong Super Health Center—puwede nang magpa-konsulta, may dental, laboratory, x-ray, para sa minor cases. Hindi na kailangan pang pumunta ng ospital,” he said as he witnessed the inauguration of a new Super Health Center that day in Carmen.
In Bohol, Malasakit Centers are located at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay.
As he concluded his speech, Senator Go expressed his gratitude to the people of Bohol for their unwavering support and acknowledged the local leaders working alongside him to serve their communities.
