BONG GO LEADS RIBBON-CUTTING OF NEW FOOTBRIDGE IN MALUNGON, SARANGANI; EMPHASIZES ROAD SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of local infrastructure development in improving road safety and the quality of life for Filipinos as he joined the ribbon-cutting and turnover ceremony of a newly constructed footbridge in Barangay Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani, on Thursday, December 26.

The project, funded through Go’s efforts as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, represents a significant stride toward better connectivity and accessibility for residents.

Go acknowledged the support of Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, Governor Rogelio Pacquiao, Mayor Atty. Maria Theresa D. Constantino, and Vice Mayor Mariano Escalada Jr. in making the project a reality. In addition to the mayor and vice mayor, Brgy. Captain Helen Aradanas and Municipal Engineer Mark Anthony Zagales were also present.

“Ang proyektong ito ay hindi magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ng ating mga kasamahan sa local government at sa kanilang dedikasyon at malasakit para sa mga tao dito sa Barangay Malandag,” said Go.

Mayor Constantino expressed her appreciation for Senator Go’s unwavering support, saying, “Kahit busy siya sa schedule niya, binigyan niya talaga ng panahon ang ating ribbon cutting.”

The mayor went on to thank the senator for his commitment to helping local governments implement critical projects. “Nagpapasalamat tayo na naging senador siya dahil ang mga proyekto na na-propose natin sa opisina niya, ina-apruba niya talaga,” the mayor shared.

“Ang footbridge na ito magagamit ng lahat ng mamamayan dito sa ating lugar,” the mayor said.

The footbridge addresses a critical need for a safe and reliable passage, especially during inclement weather when the river becomes hazardous to cross. Go noted that the project is an example of effective government intervention to meet the needs of underserved communities.

“Sa mga kababayan natin dito sa Barangay Malandag, ito ay para sa inyo. Ang bagong footbridge na ito ay magbibigay ng mas ligtas na daan para sa mga residente, lalo na sa mga estudyante at magsasaka na araw-araw na nagtatrabaho at nagdadala ng produkto sa bayan,” Go shared.

Aside from the footbridge, Go has delivered impactful projects across Sarangani Province, driving progress through infrastructure, healthcare, and public facilities.

Road rehabilitation and concreting projects have significantly improved mobility and connectivity in Sarangani. In Alabel, roads such as the Bypass Road from the National Highway to Barangay Bagacay, the Poblacion-Alegria-Boundary Malungon Provincial Road, and routes in Barangay Alegria and Barangay Pag-asa have been rehabilitated and constructed.

In Glan, Senator Go supported the concreting of major provincial roads, including the NHW Junction Ilaya-Datalbukay-Lanaokapanglao and the NHW Jct. Cross-Laguimit-Gulo roads, as well as the construction of the Barangay Big Margus to Barangay Batotuling road. Similarly, in Kiamba, key projects include the concreting of the NHW Junction Lebe-Tablao-Sipiling-Banawag Provincial Road and roads connecting Barangay Salakit to Barangay Silangan and Banawag.

Maasim has benefited from the construction of a road linking Sitio Siguel to Sitio Lamalangil in Barangay Tinoto, while Maitum has seen significant upgrades in provincial roads, including the NHW Jct. Lebe-Tablao-Sipiling-Banawag, NHW Luan-Ticulab-Cafe, and NHW Malalag-Batian roads.

Meanwhile, in Malapatan, the concreting of the Lunpadidu-Daansuyan-Upper Suyan Provincial Road and Sitio Aspang to Sitio Klobak Road in Barangay Poblacion have provided critical connections for local communities. In Malungon, multiple roads, including the Malalag Cogon-Upper Biangan and Barangay Datal Batong to Barangay Datal Bila roads, have been improved, bringing progress closer to home.

Senator Go has also addressed the need for enhanced public facilities and lighting infrastructure. In Alabel, streetlights were installed along major routes, including the National Highway from Buayan Bridge to Lun Pandidu. Similar LED streetlight installations were undertaken municipal-wide, ensuring safer and more accessible public spaces.

In Glan, the construction of an evacuation center in Barangay Calabanit highlights Go’s dedication to disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, in Maasim and Maitum, multi-purpose public transport terminals have been constructed, improving the commuting experience for residents. Malungon has seen the construction of elevated or at-grade pedestrian walkways, providing safe and convenient pathways for pedestrians.

Go reiterated his commitment to uplifting rural communities, highlighting his broader advocacy for healthcare, housing, and infrastructure development. “Patuloy tayong magsusumikap para ang serbisyo ng gobyerno ay maabot ng bawat Pilipino saan mang sulok ng bansa,” he said.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Senator Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.