Bong Go advocates for welfare of bgy execs, workers
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the critical role of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in advancing good governance starting at the barangay level during the 1st Provincial Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Catanduanes Chapter held at the Royce Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, on Tuesday.
Themed “Transparency, Accountability, and Inclusivity: Paving the Way for Good Governance,” the congress aimed to equip local leaders, including barangay captains, kagawads, secretaries, treasurers, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen, with essential skills and knowledge to enhance public service delivery at the community level.
There were 235 delegates from across Catanduanes who attended the activity. Addressing barangay officials and workers present, Go articulated his support for policies aimed at improving their welfare as primary frontliners of government.
“Ang temang ‘Transparency, Accountability, and Inclusivity: Paving the Way for Good Governance’ ay hindi lamang po isang gabay para sa ating pagtitipon kundi isang paalala sa ating lahat na tayo ay may tungkuling maglingkod nang may integridad at tapat sa ating mga nasasakupan,” Go stressed.
He acknowledged the barangay officials as superstars in their own rights being elected by their constituents while commending their hard work and commitment to community service.
“Ang inyong dedikasyon at pagsusumikap upang maghatid ng serbisyong may malasakit ay tunay na kapuri-puri. Nawa’y patuloy niyong paglingkuran ang inyong kapwa at isapuso ang kapakanan ng komunidad ng inyong mga ka-barangay,” he said.
“Isa sa mga pundasyon ng mabuting pamamahala ay ang pagkakaroon ng tapat at epektibong ugnayan sa pagitan ng barangay at ng national government. Kayo ang unang tinatakbuhan ng ating mga kababayan. Kayo ang tulay nila upang makarating ang mga hinaing nila sa amin at kritikal ang inyong papel sa pagtataguyod ng kapakanan ng bawat isa,” Go added.
One of the focal points of his address was his filed Senate Bill 197, the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, which aims to enhance services provided by barangay units while also advocating for the welfare of barangay workers such as proposed benefits similar to those of regular government employees.
The bill proposes that barangay officials, including the punong barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the SK chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, receive similar treatment as regular government employees. This means they would be eligible for salaries, benefits, and allowances, among other perks if this is enacted into law.
The senator also turned his attention to the welfare of barangay health workers, advocating for better compensation through his filed SBN 427, or the proposed Barangay Health Workers Benefits Act.
Go’s bill proposes to provide BHWs a monthly honorarium, along with a comprehensive package of benefits, including allowances, job security, regular training, and skill development opportunities if enacted into law. The proposed benefits are seen as an extension and enhancement of the existing benefits under Republic Act No. 7883 or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995, which already provides various incentives to BHWs.
