IN a bid to support the country’s young leaders, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the 2023 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Congress – Davao Occidental Chapter at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City on Thursday, May 4.

In his speech, the senator took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of empowering the youth in shaping the nation’s future and highlighted the critical role that the SK plays in bridging the gap between the government and the youth.

“Malay ninyo pagdating ng panahon, kayo ang magiging congressman, senador nitong ating bansa. Ito ang sikreto diyan na aking isi-share sa inyo — gawin ninyo kung ano ang tama, mahalin ninyo ang kapwa n’yo, at unahin ninyo ang interes ng kapwa ninyo Pilipino — hinding-hindi talaga kayo magkakamali niyan,” Go advised.

“Yung pagmamalasakit n’yo sa kapwa, dito talaga manggagaling ‘yan sa inyong puso. Mahalin n’yo talaga ang inyong trabaho at ang pagseserbisyo,” he continued.

Additionally, Go recognized all SK leaders for their dedication to public service and encouraged them to continue taking an active role in nation-building. He stressed that the youth are not just the future but also the present, urging them to use their voice and leadership to contribute meaningfully to society.

To promote the welfare of youth leaders, the senator co-authored Republic Act No. 11768, reforming the Sangguniang Kabataan and provides for monthly honoraria and other benefits for SK leaders.

Under the Act, all members of the SK will be paid an honorarium each month that will be deducted from the SK funds. This is in addition to any other compensation provided by law. The honorarium must be given at the conclusion of each SK meeting every month.

Meanwhile, 10% of the general fund of barangays must be allocated for their SK. The funds, which will be used for youth development and empowerment programs, must be paid in lump-sum by the Sangguniang Barangay.

In 2019, former president Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11462, which sets the next barangay and SK elections from the second Monday of May 2020 to December 5, 2022, and then on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years thereafter. The law extends the term of the current barangay and SK officials from two years to four years and a half. Go was one of the authors of the measure.

In 2022, Go likewise supported the postponement of the barangay and SK elections to 2023.

In his speech, Go also shared to youth leaders how a life in public service and his commitment to help those in need especially in far-flung communities had at times put his life at risk. Nevertheless, he asked them to stay true their mission to serve and not be afraid.

“May nagsabi sa akin nung nag-speech ako (dati), sabi n’ya ‘Sir mabait ka, may mission ka pa sa mundo. Makakatulong ka pa sa mahihirap.’

Patuloy akong tutulong sa mahihirap, hindi talaga ako hihinto sa pagtulong at hindi ako takot na mamatay,” Go highlighted.

In particular, Go shared an incident when he flew to Basilan to launch a Malasakit Center there, the helicopter he was riding almost crashed.

“Kung sakali man pong namatay kami, isa pong karangalan ang mamatay na naglilingkod sa sarili niyang bayan. Kung mamatay rin lang ako, gusto ko na nagseserbisyo ako. It’s an honor to die while serving your fellow men. Sa totoo lang, mas mabuti pa na mamatay ka na nagseserbisyo. It’s an honor na mamatay ka na nagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” he emphasized.

Ending his remarks, Go reiterated his dedication to championing the welfare and interests of the Filipino youth, encouraging them to become catalysts for positive change in their communities and the nation as a whole.

“Mga kabataan, kayo ang kinabukasan nitong ating bayan. Magtulungan lang tayo. Pumasok kayo (bilang) SK (kaya) unahin n’yo talaga ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap. Kayo ang example sa youth, kayo talaga ang tinitingala sa inyong barangay,” Go encouraged.

“Congratulations and I’m sure, isa rin sa inyo ay magiging kagawad rin at magiging kapitan sa inyong barangay. Someday, magiging konsehal kayo sa inyong munisipyo or even congressman sa inyong lugar. Basta unahin n’yo ang pagseserbisyo sa inyong mga kababayan,” he concluded.

Earlier that day, Go also attended the 49th Midyear Convention Surgery and Universal Health Care opening ceremony at SMX Convention Center in Davao City.