BONG GO CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO HASTEN RETURN TO NORMALCY FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, called for collective action for the immediate restoration of normalcy in typhoon-hit communities. Go also highlighted the need to prioritize small farmers in the allocation of funds under the proposed 2025 national budget.

“Ako po’y nakikiramay sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo. Nakikiusap po sa national government, please tugunan n’yo po kaagad ang mga kailangan ng mga kababayan natin na nasalanta ng bagyo. Restoration of normalcy at rehabilitation efforts,” he urged, appealing for prompt and decisive action to address the needs of affected families and communities.

Go emphasized that achieving normalcy in disaster-stricken areas requires urgent rehabilitation initiatives. He called on government agencies to ensure swift response and proper allocation of resources to help typhoon victims rebuild their lives.

At the same time, the senator underscored the importance of supporting Filipino farmers through efficient and effective use of public funds. He pointed out that the Department of Agriculture (DA) must maximize its allocated budget to uplift one of the nation’s most crucial sectors.

“Patuloy po ang budget deliberations. Kanina po na-aprubahan na po ang budget ng Department of Agriculture. Pakiusap ko lang po sa DA, unahin po ang mga farmers at sa mga ibang departamento kung nasaan na po ang kanilang budget,” he stated.

“Importante na may laman ang tiyan ng bawat Pilipino. Sikapin nating walang magutom lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna. Kaya napakahalaga na patuloy nating suportahan ang ating mga magsasaka. Sila ang haligi ng ating food security,” said Go.

He also reminded the government to use the people’s money wisely and ensure that the Filipino people, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from programs intended for them.

“Please lang, gamitin n’yo po ito para sa mga kababayan natin. Pera po ito ng kababayan natin. Dapat po ang Pilipino ang makikinabang. Tulungan natin ‘yung mga mahirap nating kababayan,” Go said, reiterating his appeal to prioritize the needs of struggling sectors.

Go has continuously advocated for strengthening agricultural support systems, acknowledging the contribution of farmers in maintaining food security.

Go was one of the authors of Republic Act 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity.

Moreover, Go served as a co-sponsor and co-author in the Senate of Republic Act 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. This legislation condones loans accrued by agrarian reform beneficiaries, encompassing the related interests, penalties, and surcharges.

Additionally, the senator filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2117, a measure aimed at ensuring thorough crop insurance protection for agrarian reform beneficiaries. To complement the said bill, Go introduced SBN 2118 to improve insurance coverage and services for farmers and address the agricultural sector’s susceptibility to the consequences of natural disasters if enacted into law.