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Critical role of municipal gov’ts in achieving sustainable dev’ts cited

August 22, 2024 People's Journal 123 views

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the critical role of municipal governments in achieving sustainable development during his address at the Luzon Island Cluster Conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

The event, held at the Royce Premium Hotel in Clark, Pampanga, gathered municipal leaders from across Luzon to explore strategies for integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level.

Go expressed his profound respect for the municipal leaders, recognizing their central role in community development.

“Alam n’yo, mataas ang respeto ko sa mga mayors. You are superstars in your own rights. Kayo po ang bida sa inyong mga lugar. Kaya super taas po ang aking respeto sa inyo,” he affirmed.

Transitioning to the core of his message, Go emphasized that achieving the SDGs should not be seen as the sole responsibility of major urban centers or the national government. Instead, he argued that real progress is often driven at the local level—directly within towns and barangays.

“Ang pag-abot ng mga layunin ng SDGs ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng mga malalaking lungsod o pambansang gobyerno,” he stated.

Building on this, Go emphasized, “Sa katunayan, ang pinakamahalaga at pinakamabisang paraan upang makamit natin ang mga layuning ito ay sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay-diin sa lokal na antas—sa ating mga bayan at mga barangay.”

“By localizing the SDGs, we are ensuring that each goal is not only aligned with our national agenda but is also relevant, attainable, and beneficial to every Filipino, regardless of their location,” he added.

Go then discussed his legislative work, particularly his role as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography. He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

These centers significantly ease the medical expense burdens for Filipinos, with the Department of Health reporting aid to nearly ten million beneficiaries.

“Ito po ay isang konkretong halimbawa ng localization ng serbisyo, kung saan ang mga benepisyo ng gobyerno ay direkta nang nakakarating sa mga nangangailangan,” he commented on the impact of his health initiatives.

Looking ahead, Go called for sustained efforts to embed the principles of good governance in all layers of public service.

“As we look towards the future, let us continue to build smart communities by localizing our efforts to achieve the SDGs. Let us make sure that the principles of good governance are ingrained in every aspect of our service, ensuring that every Filipino can lead a life of dignity, security, and opportunity,” he urged.

Go thanked his fellow public servants, including National President and Chapter President of Abra Mayor JB Bernos of La Paz, Abra; President Emeritus Luis Chavit Singson; Executive Vice-President For Operations and Chapter President of Ilocos Sur Mayor Germy Singson-Goulart of Caoayan; Vice-President For Internal Affairs and Chapter President of Batangas Mayor Valentino Patron of San Jose, Batangas; Vice President For Luzon Cluster and Chapter President of Ilocos Norte Mayor Joefrey Saguid of Dingras; National Treasurer and Chapter President of Pampanga Mayor Jun Tetangco of Apalit; National Auditor and Chapter President of Cagayan Mayor Florante “Teng” Pascual of Lal-lo, Cagayan; Business Manager and Chapter President of Laguna Mayor Edgardo Ramos of Pila; Secretary-General and Chapter President of Sorsogon Mayor Atty. Cynthia Falcotelo-Fortes of Barcelona; National Spokesperson and Chapter President of Pangasinan Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil of Lingayen; Assistant National Treasurer Mayor Alfredo Malannag of Pasil, Kalinga; Assistant National Auditor and Chapter President of Isabela Mayor Francis “Kiko” Dy of Echague; Assistant Business Manager and Chapter President of Benguet Mayor Armando Lauro of Tublay; and Presidential Legal Counsel Mayor Vicente Pagurayan of Sto. Nino, Cagayan.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Patuloy po nating isulong ang mabuting pamamahala at ang pagtamo ng ating mga layunin para sa ikabubuti ng lahat,” Go said.

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