BONG GO ADVOCATES FOR SUSTAINED SUPPORT FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT AT THE 57TH ARAW NG DAVAO DEL SUR IN DIGOS CITY

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the community in a speech during the 57th Araw ng Davao del Sur celebration at the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Digos City, emphasizing sustained economic growth and community unity towards inclusive development.

The senator began by expressing gratitude towards the provincial leadership and dedicated public servants of Davao del Sur, led by Governor Yvonne Cagas.

“Maayong adlaw sa inyong tanan ug congratulations sa ika-57 Araw ng Davao del Sur! Una sa tanan, gusto nakong pasalamatan ang tibuok lokal nga panggamhanan sa Davao del Sur nga gipangunahan ni Governor Yvonne Cagas ug uban pang opisyales. Ang inyo walay undang nga pagserbisyo ug malasakit, usa ka inspirasyon alang sa tanan,” said Go

(“Good day to everyone and congratulations on the 57th Day of Davao del Sur! First of all, I want to thank the entire local government of Davao del Sur led by Governor Yvonne Cagas and other officials. Your relentless service and care are an inspiration to all.”)

Go highlighted the natural attractions of the region, such as Mount Apo, and their contributions to the local economy, underscoring the importance of environmental and economic sustainability.

Proudly, he shared his legislative achievements, including his role in the enactment of the Republic Act No. 11960, and the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act.

“Ako, inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, proud ko nga iingon nga ako ang author ug co-sponsor sa Republic Act 11960, o ang One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act,” Go stated.

(“I, your Senator Kuya Bong Go, am proud to say that I am one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960 or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act.”)

This act aims to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Philippine-made products and empower MSMEs.

Go continued, “Kini nga balaud naga dahom nga padakuon pa ug himuong mas ilado ang mga produkto nga gibuhat sa atong kapwa Pilipino ug hatagan ang atong mga MSMEs og higayon ug pasidungog nga mapalambo ang ilang panginabuhi.”

(“This law hopes to further enlarge and make more famous the products made by our fellow Filipinos and give our MSMEs a chance and recognition to improve their livelihoods.”)

Reiterating his commitment to the welfare of his constituents, Go encouraged the people of Davao del Sur to continue their collaborative efforts for the betterment of the community.

“Dili pud nato makalimtan ang suporta ug pagmalasakit sa mga taga Davao del Sur ug isip inyong Mr. Malasakit, unta magpadayon mo sa inyong gipakita nga malasakit ug pakighiusa alang sa ika-ayo sa atong komunidad,” he said.

(“We must also not forget the support and care of the people of Davao del Sur and as your Mr. Malasakit, I hope you continue to show your care and unity for the betterment of our community.”)

“Ang inyong ka-ayo ug pagtinabangay ang susi padulong sa kalambuan sa atong probinsya,” he continued, emphasizing the significance of communal efforts in driving regional development.

(“The goodness and collaboration among your community are the keys towards the advancement of our province.”)

He echoed the advice of his mentor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, about always doing what is right, which has guided his decisions and service. Go stated, “Excited ko sa kung unsa pa mang proyekto ang ma-mugna ug mga oportunidad dinhi sa Davao del Sur. Sama sa ingon ni Tatay Digong sa ako sauna, ‘Do what is right.’ Mao kini ang nagsilbi nakong inspirasyon sa pag buhat og desisyon ug sa akong pagserbisyo sa Pilipino.”

(“I am excited about what other projects and opportunities will be started here in Davao del Sur. As Tatay Digong used to say to me, ‘Do what is right.’ This has served as my inspiration in making decisions and in my service to the Filipino.”)

The senator also recognized ongoing and upcoming projects in the region, particularly those improving medical and health services such as Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers, aiming to ensure every citizen has access to quality medical services.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has consistently underscored the crucial need to enhance and broaden the country’s healthcare system, ensuring that medical services are accessible to underserved communities. He has been pushing for the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide.

Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including five in Davao del Sur.

Furthermore, Go principally authored and sponsored RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, to ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients get the medical assistance they need from the government.

Nearby Malasakit Centers are located at the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in the city or the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. To date, 165 operational centers have assisted more or less ten million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH.

As the principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate, Go has highlighted the recently enacted RA 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The legislation mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, stressing the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

Meanwhile, aligning with his dedication to improving the quality of life for the people of the province, Go, who is the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Digos City, Bansalan, Hagonoy, Magsaysay, Malalag, Padada, and Sulop; and the development of a bat cave in Matanao.

Go also thanked government and local officials present during the event for their continuing service to their constituents. They include Senator Ronald dela Rosa, Congressman John Tracy Cagas, Congresswoman Camille Villar, Congresswoman Margarita Ignacia Nograles, Governor Cagas, and Vice Governor Riafe Cagas-Fernandez, among others.

Concluding his speech, Go extended his warm wishes for the province’s future, “Happy 57th Araw ng Davao del Sur! Daghang salamat ug mabuhay.”

“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” concluded Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.