BONG GO REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AS HE ENGAGES WITH PISTANG KATUTUBONG DUMAGAT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MEET IN SAN RAFAEL, BULACAN

FOLLOWING the Couples for Christ (CFC) Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Global Walk, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also attended the Pistang Katutubong Dumagat Indigenous Peoples Meet on Sunday, October 20.

During the gathering, Go took the opportunity to listen, engage, and share his initiatives with representatives from various sectors, including Katutubong Dumagat chieftains, the Guardians, the Eagles Club, Mike Delta Force, Liga ng mga Barangay Kagawad, the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association Federation, and the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Association.

“Bilang inyong lingkod, patuloy po akong magsusulong ng mga hakbang upang suportahan ang ating mga kapatid na katutubo at sa mga nangangailangan nating kababayan sa abot ng aking makakaya,” he said.

“Naniniwala po ako na tayo ay iisang bansa—lahat po tayo ay Pilipino at karapat-dapat tratuhin nang pantay at may respeto. Mahalaga po sa akin na tiyaking ang bawat isa, kasama ang ating mga katutubo, ay may pantay na oportunidad at access sa mga serbisyong nararapat para sa kanilang kapakanan at pag-unlad,” he added.

The event at San Rafael Municipal Hall, held in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month this October, underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and protecting the rights of indigenous communities. It was also an opportunity to address their concerns and bring public services closer to their communities.

Furthermore, the senator acknowledged
Mayor Mark Cholo Violago and Board Members Raul ‘Aye’ Mariano and Liberato Sembrano, among others, for making the gathering possible.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to championing the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples, highlighting the pivotal role of legislation in ensuring their protection and empowerment.

“Ang ating mga katutubo ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating lipunan. Dapat lamang na itaguyod natin ang kanilang mga karapatan at siguruhing hindi sila napag-iiwanan. Kasama ninyo ako sa laban para sa inyong kapakanan at karapatan,” underscored Go.

He cited Executive Order No. 139, which was issued in 2021 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, granting death and burial benefits to Barangay Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs). The issuance of this executive order reflects the government’s dedication to recognizing the invaluable contributions of indigenous leaders and representatives in grassroots governance.

Go also emphasized that his ongoing efforts to advocate for the indigenous peoples align with his vision of inclusive governance, where all communities—regardless of location or background—are given access to vital services, support, and representation.

He assured the attendees that he would continue to push for measures that promote their welfare, particularly in ensuring that indigenous peoples are not left behind in terms of access to health, education, and livelihood opportunities.

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala dahil patuloy akong magtatrabaho upang kayo ay mabigyan ng maayos na serbisyo—mula sa edukasyon, kalusugan, hanggang sa kabuhayan. Kayo po ay hindi namin pababayaan,” Go said to the indigenous leaders.

Meanwhile, as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported the financial boost given to the Strengthening Indigenous People in Mindanao (STIP-Mindanao) Program under the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) budget.

The program recently received a PhP10 million augmentation through Go’s efforts, aims to empower Indigenous communities by preserving their rich cultural heritage and enhancing their living standards. This funding, as highlighted by Go, an ex-officio MinDA Board of Directors member, marks a strategic effort to uplift the lives of indigenous peoples in Mindanao.

“This allocation is not merely a financial boost; it is a testament to our commitment to empower the indigenous communities of Mindanao. The indigenous peoples are the bearers of our rich cultural heritage, and we must ensure their growth, development, and integration into the fabric of our national progress,” Go previously said.

The Pistang Katutubong Dumagat Indigenous Peoples Meet served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, unity, and collaboration among various sectors. To show his appreciation, Go gave grocery packs, and shirts to all attendees. There were also select recipients of basketballs, volleyballs, bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, and watches to select recipients.

Senator Go’s participation further highlighted the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of indigenous communities, as well as his personal mission to address their unique challenges and promote their role in the nation’s development.

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