Bong Go

Bong Go recognizes contributions of bgy leaders in bringing gov’t services closer to those in need

December 2, 2022 People's Journal 259 views

Bong GoAFTER leading two separate relief operations for fire victims and market vendors, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally hailed Cebu City’s barangay leaders as he and fellow senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa joined the 2022 Cebu Provincial Year-End Summit and Recognition at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on Bonifacios Day, November 30.

In his speech, Go thanked all of the barangay workers for their dedication and commitment to serving their constituents and for acting as the bridge for Filipinos to reach the provincial and national government.

He likewise recognized their vital role in bringing the government closer to the people and in making certain that their respective barangays continue to recover from the pandemic.

“Masaya po ako maging parte ng inyong year-end summit na may temang: Barangay Resiliency and Development for a Progressive Cebu Province in a New Normal. It is for this reason that I would like to emphasize your significant role in the government and our communities. As barangay leaders, kayo po ang takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa maliliit na komunidad,” said Go.

“Nais ko pong batiin ang mga masisipag na lider ng ating mga barangay dito sa Cebu. Maraming salamat po sa inyong walang sawang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan at pagsuporta sa mga pagbabagong nais ipatupad ng gobyerno para sa ikagaganda ng ating bansa,” he underscored.

The senator likewise mentioned that he supported the postponement of barangay elections, to give barangay officials and the SK leaders more ample time to pursue their projects and programs for their constituents.

“Naturingan man kayong pinakamaliit na unit ng gobyerno, hindi maipagkakailang ang barangay rin ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat. Kayo po ang nagsisilbing pundasyon ng ating mga LGUs. Kung hindi maayos ang inyong pamumuno, paniguradong apektado ang bawat lebel ng ating gobyerno,” Go highlighted.

“Sa lahat ng mga kahilingang ito ng gobyerno, makaaasa naman kayo na hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Naniniwala ako na dapat lang na mabigyan natin ang mga opisyal ng barangay ng sapat na panahon upang makapagpatupad ng kani-kanilang mga programa at proyekto sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he noted.

Recognizing the sacrifices and hard work of barangay workers, Go also continues to push for Senate Bill No. 197 which would provide a Magna Carta for Barangays. He likewise filed SBN 427 which would mandate the provision of allowances and incentives to barangay health workers.

If SBN 197 is enacted, barangay officials will be treated as regular government employees. The Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary and barangay treasurer will be entitled to salaries, emoluments, allowances such as hazard pay, representation and transportation allowance, 13th month pay and other benefits that regular government employees enjoy.

On the other hand, if SBN 427 is passed into law, a monthly allowance will be provided to all barangay health workers and they will also be entitled to security of tenure and other benefits and privileges.

“Bilang barangay leaders, inaasahan po namin na tutuparin ninyo ang inyong mandato ng tapat, epektibo at may integridad. Inaasahan po namin na pahahalagahan ninyo ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa inyo ng tao,” expressed Go.

“It is time for us to strengthen our basic political unit, the barangay, because I believe that better barangays mean a better Philippines,” he stressed.

Earlier that day, Go was joined by Sen. Dela Rosa and Sen. Imee Marcos in personally providing assistance to fire victims in Mandaue City. Afterwards, Go and Dela Rosa spearheaded two separate relief activities for fire victims and market vendors in Cebu City.

“Alam n’yo, (sa mga) kapitan, naiintindihan ko ang inyong trabaho. Matagal (na) akong nagta-trabaho — 21 years — 1998 hanggang 2016. Hanggang naging pangulo si (dating) presidente (Rodrigo) Duterte, nasa gilid n’ya ako (kaya) nakikita ko palagi ang problema,” shared Go.

“Ang kapitan, yan ang suki ko, mula umaga hanggang umuwi kami sa gabi, kayo pa rin ang suki namin dahil kayo ang tinatakbuhan ng tao. Kayo ang nilalapitan at tinatakbuhan kaya kayo ang dapat pasalamatan. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay captain sa inyong pagserbisyo lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya maraming salamat. Basta ako nandito lang ako handang magserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he concluded.

AUTHOR PROFILE