BONG GO CHAMPIONS ROLES OF BARANGAY COUNCILORS; ADVOCATES FOR BARANGAY WORKERS’ WELFARE AT BCLP NATIONAL CONVENTION

Amidst Typhoon Kristine that havocked various parts of the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continued with his duties and activities while advocating to strengthen the welfare of barangay officials at the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines National Convention held at the City State Tower Ermita Manila, on Thursday, October 24.

Attended by 38 barangay councilors from participating localities of Tacloban City, Surigao City, Baler in Aurora, Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Valenzuela in Olongapo, and Sultan Kudarat, Go articulated his support for policies aimed at improving their welfare as primary frontliners in the community.

“Ang tema ng inyong pagtitipon ngayong araw, ‘Local Governance Structures Play a Vital Role in Ensuring Effective and Efficient Delivery of Services to the Community,’ ay napapanahon at tunay na mahalaga. Bilang mga lingkod bayan, kayo po ang nasa harapan ng serbisyo publiko. Kayo ang unang nilalapitan ng ating mga kababayan para sa kanilang mga pangangailangan, kaya’t ang bawat aksyon at desisyon ninyo ay may malaking epekto sa kanilang buhay,” Go said.

“Tulad ninyo na walang tigil ang paglilingkod sa inyong komunidad, yan rin ang aking bisyo — ang magserbisyo sa tao sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he added.

The BCLP is an organization consisting of elected barangay councilors from different regions across the Philippines which aims to serve as a forum for articulating various issues and concerns affecting barangay governance and legislative performance of the Sangguniang Barangay members.

Highlighting the significance of the event’s theme, Senator Go underscored the crucial responsibilities of barangay leaders in promoting progress, peace, and public safety within their communities.

“Ang inyong dedikasyon at pagsusumikap upang maghatid ng serbisyong may malasakit ay tunay na kapuri-puri. Nawa’y patuloy niyong paglingkuran ang inyong kapwa at isapuso ang kapakanan ng komunidad ng inyong mga ka-barangay,” he expressed.

Senator Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit, outlined his legislative priorities to support barangay officials in their roles. He highlighted Senate Bill No. 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to ensure that barangay officials receive adequate support, including salaries, allowances, and other benefits necessary for effective governance, if enacted into law.

Go also filed SBN. 2802, a proposed measure aimed at setting the term of office for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to six years, a significant increase from the current three-year term.

Additionally, Senator Go discussed his filed SBN. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Act, designed to provide more support to barangay health workers, including monthly honorariums, job security, and skills enhancement, and civil service eligibility opportunities, if enacted into law.

Likewise, Go has filed SBN 2504, aimed at increasing the salary of civilian personnel in the Philippine government. If enacted into law, the bill, known as “Salary Standardization Law VI,” seeks to amend and improve the provisions outlined in RA 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5. In 2019, Go played a key role in the passage of SSL 5 as one of its authors and co-sponsors in the Senate.

Go also took the opportunity to express his ongoing commitment to supporting barangay officials, not only through legislation but also by backing programs and initiatives that improve their communities’ infrastructure, disaster resilience, and overall quality of life.

“Sa abot ng aking makakaya, patuloy kong isusulong ang mga programang makakatulong sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan hanggang sa mga barangay. Hindi po madali ang inyong tungkulin, pero ako po ay naniniwala na sa inyong dedikasyon, pagsisikap, at malasakit sa ating mga kababayan, patuloy ninyong magagampanan ang inyong mga tungkulin nang buong husay,” Go emphasized.

The senator and his Malasakit Team provided tokens during the event as part of his recognition of the barangay leaders, such as shirts, sling bags, fans, and basketballs and volleyballs.

Acknowledging the vital role of the barangay leaders, Go also extended his appreciation to the BCLP National President Susana Caballes, Corporate Secretary General Ricardo Bacani Junio, National Executive Vice President for NCR Dario Bacani Junio, VP for Luzon Larry Dulay, VP for Visayas Dante Tabucal, and VP for Mindanao Jairo Marohombsar, National Adviser Fatima Abuy, among others.

In conclusion, Go encouraged barangay officials to maintain their dedication to public service, as they play an indispensable role in shaping the future of the country. “Sa bawat barangay na pinamumunuan ninyo, nariyan po ang pundasyon ng ating bayan. Sama-sama nating isulong ang kaunlaran, kapayapaan, at kaligtasan para sa bawat Pilipino.”

“Mahalagang maipagpatuloy natin ang mabuting pamamahala, ang pagpapabuti sa kalidad ng serbisyong publiko, at ang pagpaprayoridad sa kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan. Dahil alam kong pare-parehas tayo ng bisyo, ang magserbisyo. Mabuhay po kayo!” he ended.