Emphasizing his commitment to uplifting cultural celebrations and promoting sportsmanship, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Jordan, Guimaras on Friday, May 19, where he personally attended the Manggahan Festival and as part of the program, witnessed the volleyball tournament at the provincial gymnasium.
The Manggahan Festival, celebrated annually in Guimaras, pays homage to the province’s mango industry. As a major highlight of the festival, the streets of Jordan came alive with vibrant colors, cultural performances, and mango-themed displays. The festival provides a platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans to showcase their talents, products, and cultural heritage to a broader audience.
The senator was joined by Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Congressman Jojo Ang, Guimaras Lone District Congresswoman Lucille Nava, Governor Joaquin Carlos “JC” Rahman Nava, and Vice Governor John Edward Gando, among others, during his visit.
Go lauded the local community for showcasing its cultural heritage while promoting its products such as their locally harvested mangoes which Guimaras is famous for. During his visit, he also partook in the ‘Mango Eat All You Can’ festivities and vowed to make efforts to promote the local industry.
In the Senate, Go authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1594 which was recently approved by the Senate on the third and final reading. If passed, the measure shall institutionalize the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Program and shall serve as a government stimulus program to encourage the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country through the utilization of indigenous raw materials, local traditions, and cultures across the country.
As part of the festival, a volleyball tournament was organized where Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, showed his support for the participating athletes. In his short speech, the senator underscored his passion for sports and his belief in its ability to foster unity and teamwork especially among the youth.
“Kung mayroon ho kayong mga pangangailangan sa mga grassroots sports program tulad ng volleyball, magsabi lang po kayo sa aking opisina (at) handa po akong tumulong sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Dahil isa po ito sa pamamaraan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa masasamang bisyo tulad ng ilegal na droga at magabayan sila na maging mga responsableng mamamayan,” emphasized Go.
“Gusto ko pong ipagpatuloy ‘yung kampanya ni (dating) pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na labanan ang ilegal na droga sa pamamagitan po ng pag-engganyo sa mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs while keeping a healthy and fit lifestyle. Namimigay rin tayo ng bola pang-basketball at volleyball para engganyuhin po ang mga kabataan na makilahok sa laro at ilayo sila sa ilegal na droga,” Go added as he provided balls for each participating team
Continuing his remarks, Go emphasized the need for increased investment, infrastructure, and opportunities for athletes at all levels. He likewise highlighted the role of sports in nation-building, emphasizing its ability to bring people together towards a common goal.