BONG GO PARTNERS WITH BARANGAY LEADERS TO HELP IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY DURING FINALE OF LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY NATIONAL CONGRESS

At the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) National Congress Cluster 6 in Pasay City on Wednesday, October 23, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted his legislative efforts aimed at supporting barangay leaders fulfill their mandate and improve public service delivery in communities.

Speaking to barangay leaders from various provinces, Go underscored the importance of empowering local officials to enhance their capacity to serve their communities.

The event gathered the last cluster of barangay officials from Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Northern Samar, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao City, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

“Kayo ang mga haligi ng ating pamahalaan. Kayo ang nasa frontline sa pagdadala ng serbisyo sa bawat komunidad at tahanan,” Go emphasized in his speech as he recognized the vital role that barangay officials play in the country’s governance.

He highlighted the barangay leaders as “heroes of everyday life,” who bring essential services to communities despite the hardships.

Go also took the opportunity to share key legislative measures he is advancing in the Senate to directly benefit barangay officials. He specifically discussed Senate Bill No. 197, also known as the Magna Carta for Barangays, which aims to provide barangay officials with fair compensation and benefits.

“Sa dami ng sakripisyo ninyo, nararapat lamang na magkaroon kayo ng tamang pagkilala at suporta mula sa gobyerno,” Go stressed, recognizing the need for adequate government support for barangay officials who carry the heavy responsibility of addressing their constituents’ needs.

Furthermore, Go filed Senate Bill No. 2802, which seeks to establish a six-year fixed term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials. This, he explained, would provide barangay leaders with more time to implement long-term plans for their communities.

The senator also discussed the importance of supporting barangay health workers through Senate Bill No. 427, which proposes monthly honorariums and other benefits for these essential frontliners.

“Sila ang pangunahing frontliners natin sa kalusugan ng komunidad, kaya’t kailangan nila ng sapat na pagkilala at suporta,” he remarked, noting the critical role these workers play in safeguarding public health at the grassroots level.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go highlighted ongoing efforts to bring health services closer to communities through the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers across the country.

“Patuloy nating isinusulong ang Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, at mga Regional Specialty Centers. Nasa puso ng mga programang ito ang malasakit, pagmamahal, at serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Go stated.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country especially in grassroots communities. With support from fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, Go has been instrumental in securing funds for over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.

Finally, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of specialty centers within existing Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals to bring specialized care to all regions.

Before concluding, Go left the audience with a message that reflects his values: “Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”

With this, Go emphasized that service to others is a lasting legacy, reflecting his belief that “serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.”

Meanwhile, Go expressed his heartfelt recognition of the outstanding contributions of officials, lauding their leadership and commitment to serving their communities. Among those acknowledged were key LNB National Officials including LNB President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy from Isabela, Executive President Martina Gimenez from Leyte, Vice President for Luzon Ramon Ortega of La Union Province, and Vice President for Mindanao Raul Mabanglo from Davao de Oro Province. Go also extended his gratitude to Secretary General Celestino Martinez of Cebu and Auditor Marcelino Fernandez of Dagupan for their invaluable roles in the organization.

Additionally, other LNB Officials were recognized for their contributions, including Vice President for Legislative Affairs Ferdinand Zaballa from Palawan Province, Vice President for Press Relations Jasmine Marie Chan from Lapu-Lapu City, Executive Secretary Richard Julius Sablan from Negros Occidental, Cultural and Creative Advisor Rebecca Padilla from Camarines Norte, and Political Advisor Abdul Rashid Balindong from Lanao del Sur.

The senator further acknowledged the efforts of Provincial Chapter Presidents who have made a significant impact in their respective areas. Among them were Irene Ong from Iloilo City, Amalia Victoria Debuque from Iloilo Province, Arturo Dubongco, Jr. from Northern Samar, Abdulmukim Musa from Zamboanga Sibugay, Bianca Ricci Bautista-Navarra from Davao Occidental, Norman Librero from Davao del Norte, Rolando Daligdig from Davao del Sur, January Duterte from Davao City, Andy John Dongines from Sultan Kudarat, Neil Escobillo from South Cotabato, Phipps Bilbao from Cotabato Province, Melanie Joy Momo-Guno from Surigao del Sur, Rocky Aliping from Baguio City, Allan Credo from Mindoro Occidental, and Shaquille Teves from Negros Oriental.

Go also recognized Regional Presidents, including Cesarve Siacor from Iligan in Region X, Gemma Tabada from Butuan in CARAGA, Andrea Francheska Bernos from Abra Province in CAR, Romulo Cepedoza from Bohol in Region VII, Joseph Evangelista from Zamboanga City in Region IX, and Mark Joseph Pacquiao from Sarangani in Region XII.

Go also provided tokens to show appreciation to the barangay leaders in attendance. He also gave mobile phones, shoes, and other forms of assistance to select recipients.