Bong Go stresses importance of local infrastructure development in improving public service delivery as he visits new legislative building and aids indigents in Tubod, Lanao del Norte

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his unwavering dedication to serving the Filipino people, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice, unity and inclusivity in society as he personally led a relief activity for various sectoral groups in Tubod, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday, June 28, in partnership with the Office of Mayor Dionisio Cabahug.

Prior to the relief activity, Go also conducted a site inspection for the upcoming legislative building project in the town. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported the construction of the project, aiming to provide a dedicated space for the town’s legislative affairs.

Go hopes that the initiative will bolster good governance, streamline operations, and enhance the overall efficiency of the local government.

Other projects he supported in the province are the construction of farm-to-market roads in Bacolod and Lala; road rehabilitation in Munai; purchase of one ambulance unit in Kapatagan; construction of flood control and drainage structure in Lala; rehabilitation of public markets in Magsaysay; and construction of multipurpose buildings in Kauswagan, Nunungan, Pantao Ragat, Pantar, Salvador, Tangcal and Tubod.

In commemoration of Eid al-Adha, Go, in his speech, conveyed his love and respect for the Muslim community. Specifically, he emphasized the inclusive and unbiased treatment they experience in his hometown of Davao City.

“Mahal na mahal namin ni former mayor, former president (Rodrigo Duterte) ang mga Muslim sa Davao. Fair talaga doon, walang discrimination doon sa amin, “ Go said, sharing an anecdote about the thoughtful selection process established by the Davao City government to assist members of the Muslim community in their journey to Mecca.

Go reiterated that all Muslim Filipinos hold an essential place within the shared national identity of the Philippines. Regardless of their religious affiliation, the senator emphasized the unity that binds Filipinos as one people.

“Mahal na mahal namin ang mga kapatid nating Muslim dahil para sa amin, tayo po ay Pilipino lahat. Ma-Kristiyano, ma-Muslim, Pilipino tayong lahat,” said Go.

Previously, former president Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022. Under the law, which was co-authored by Go, necessary support will be provided to the victims of the 2017 Marawi City siege in order to rebuild their lives.

The senator, who is a member of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation, underscored the need to prioritize the welfare of the affected residents to ensure that the community builds back better.

The senator also co-authored Senate Bill No. 1410 that designates the first day of February every year as the National Day for Awareness of the Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire.

Go is also a member of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities.

Held at the Tubod municipal gymnasium, Go and his team provided grocery packs, shirts, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 1,000 beneficiaries. Select beneficiaries also received bicycles, cellphones, shoes, watch, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

In a separate distribution, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided financial assistance to the beneficiaries.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also offered to assist those with health concerns. He encouraged them to seek medical assistance from any of the 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act mandates the establishment of the centers in every Department of Health-run hospital nationwide and in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila where particularly poor and indigent patients can conveniently access medical assistance programs by the government. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the measure.

“Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office), DOH, DSWD. Tutulungan ho kayo hanggang maging zero balance po ang inyong billing,” Go explained.

Go then expressed gratitude to the local and barangay officials, which included Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Dimaporo, 1st District Representative Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, Mayor Dionisio Cabahug, Vice Mayor Clifford Jumalon, among others, acknowledging their dedicated service to the community.

In a speech, Cong. Khalid Dimaporo extended his heartfelt appreciation to Go for his unwavering commitment to the people of Lanao del Norte.

“Nagtatrabaho si SAP Bong Go, si Senador Bong Go, nagtatrabaho para sa lalawigan ng Lanao del Norte dahil isang tawag lang, automatic magtatrabaho na si Senador Bong Go,” Dimaporo said.

While Duterte’s term has come to an end, Dimaporo said that Go continues to work diligently for Lanao del Norte and the entire Philippines, making Mindanaoans proud. He emphasized the significance of having a voice in the Senate, mentioning his active participation in addressing the concerns of their constituents.

The congressman further commended Go for his hands-on approach to public service, mentioning his visits to provinces and municipalities to personally witness the needs and challenges faced by the people. He likewise highlighted the senator’s commitment to serving the people diligently, regardless of political color.

For his part, Go then called on his fellow Filipinos to seize the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

“Ako po ang inyong Senador kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako’y naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” he concluded.

On the same day, Go personally attended the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration held in Nunungan town. During the event, he recognized the province’s abundant cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of safeguarding and promoting it for the welfare of future generations. The Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park was also formally launched as an ASEAN Heritage Park that day.

Furthermore, he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a Super Health Center and took the lead in organizing another distribution activity aimed at providing assistance to an additional one thousand individuals in need in Lala town.