BONG GO PARTNERS WITH BARANGAY LEADERS AT LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY YEAR-END CELEBRATION 2024

After his visit to Biliran earlier that day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication of barangay leaders nationwide during the Liga ng mga Barangay Year-End Celebration held at the Grand Westside Hotel in Parañaque City on Friday, November 29.

In his speech, Senator Go acknowledged the presence and contributions of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) National Officials, led by LNB President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy of Isabela, Secretary General Celestino Martinez III of Cebu, Executive Vice President Maria Martina Gimenez of Leyte, Vice President for Luzon Ramon Ortega, Jr. of La Union, and Vice President for Visayas Julius Tajanlangit of Antique. He commended their leadership in strengthening barangay governance across the country together with a total of 121 barangay officials present during their gathering.

The senator emphasized the vital role of barangay officials as the foundation of local governance and the first point of contact for Filipinos seeking government assistance. “Kayo ang unang takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan sa kanilang mga pangangailangan at problema. Ang inyong dedikasyon sa serbisyo ay nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa ating lahat na nasa gobyerno,” he said.

Go highlighted that regardless of titles or positions, public servants share the same mission: to serve the Filipino people. He thanked the barangay leaders for their collective efforts to bridge the gap between the government and the communities, ensuring that citizens feel the presence of the government through various programs and initiatives.

“Bagama’t ako ay isang senador at kayo ay mga lider ng barangay, pareho po tayo ng layunin—ang maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan,” Go added, underscoring the shared commitment to uplift communities and improve lives.

As an advocate for grassroots empowerment, Go reiterated his push for legislative measures that provide better support and recognition for barangay officials. He particularly mentioned Senate Bill No. 197, the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to officially recognize barangay leaders as regular government employees. The bill aims to provide better compensation, security of tenure, and additional benefits for barangay officials, enabling them to perform their duties with greater stability and motivation.

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.

Furthermore, Go, a health reforms crusader, also shared about SBN 427, which proposes incentives and job security for barangay health workers, underscoring his support for grassroots healthcare.

“Kailangan natin ng mga polisiya na sumusuporta sa ating mga barangay workers at health workers, dahil sila ang unang takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa pangunahing pangangailangan,” Go said.

The event also served as an opportunity for Senator Go to encourage barangay leaders to continue serving with compassion and commitment. “Ang bawat hakbang na ginagawa natin, gaano man ito kaliit, ay may malaking epekto sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Sama-sama nating gawing mas maayos, mas masaya, at mas maunlad ang ating mga barangay at buong bansa.”

The year-end celebration concluded with a shared sense of camaraderie and optimism among the attendees, inspired by Senator Go’s message of unity and hope for the coming year. The senator also gave them tokens of appreciation.

“Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!” Senator Go ended his speech with warm holiday greetings, leaving the barangay leaders motivated to face another year of public service.