SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the 16th Mindanao Geographical Conference of the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants (PHALGA) held in Mati City, Davao Oriental on Wednesday.

Invited as guest of honor and speaker at the conference attended by local accounting clerks, as well as barangay, and Sangguniang Kabataan officials mostly from regions in Mindanao, Go commended the delegates for their dedication to managing the nation’s coffers.

“Ang inyong trabaho bilang mga tagapangasiwa ng kaban ng bayan ay mahalaga para sa pag-unlad ng ating komunidad,” he stated, stressing the impact of their work on the nation’s future.

The senator also addressed the youth, particularly Sangguniang Kabataan officials and treasurers, encouraging them to continue serving with integrity.

“Kayo ang susunod na henerasyon ng mga lider. Hinihikayat ko kayong magpatuloy sa paglilingkod na may integridad at tunay na malasakit sa ating bayan,” he noted, pointing towards the future of leadership in local governance.

Go then discussed his legislative efforts, including Senate Bill No. 197, the Magna Carta for Barangays, aimed at providing salaries and benefits to barangay officials comparable to the other government officials. Additionally, he mentioned SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Act, which proposes a monthly honorarium and benefits for Barangay Health Workers.

Highlighting further support for government employees, he referred to the enactment of Republic Act 11466, or Salary Standardization 5, which he authored and co-sponsored, and his advocacy for the subsequent Salary Standardization Law 6 to aid government workers amid current economic challenges.

The senator also took the opportunity to discuss his newly filed SBN 2538, the Magna Carta of Government Accountants, and SBN 2536, which aims to establish the Government Accountancy Office (GAO) under the Department of Budget and Management. These initiatives are designed to enhance the efficiency and accountability of financial management in government.

In his closing remarks, Go expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the attendees, emphasizing the significance of unity and collaboration.

“Muli, maraming salamat sa pagkakataong makasama kayo ngayong umaga. Nawa’y ang ating pagtitipon ngayon ay maging simula ng mas matibay na kapatiran at pagtutulungan sa pagitan ng national government at ng local finance sectors sa Mindanao at sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.

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