‘SIKAPING WALANG MAGUTOM UPANG ANG PILIPINO AY MAKABANGON’ — BONG GO CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY AMID ALARMING HUNGER RATE

As hunger remains a top concern in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on concerned government agencies to work together to address the situation, which has affected millions of Filipinos. According to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, the hunger rate surged to 22.9% in September, a jump from the 17.6% recorded in June.

Go expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the Visayas and Mindanao regions saw a near doubling in hunger rates. The senator emphasized the urgent need for action, as the current figures are the highest since the 30.7% recorded at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“Importante na may laman ang tiyan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ng mga mahihirap,” Go said, stressing that food security must be prioritized by the government. He called for enhanced support for small-scale farmers and fishers, many of whom struggle daily to provide for their families.

“Alagaan natin ang ating mga maliliit na mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Marami sa kanila ay isang kahig, isang tuka. Kung magugutom sila, magugutom din ang mga Pilipino,” Go added.

The senator has placed a strong emphasis on food security and the agriculture sector as he calls for more opportunities to encourage the next generation to remain engaged in agriculture. His legislative efforts also include proposals for a national Farmers’ and Fishers’ Pension Fund, improved credit facilities with low-interest loans, and expanded crop insurance coverage to protect against crises such as natural calamities.

Go was a co-sponsor and co-author in the Senate of Republic Act No. 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. This legislation condones loans accrued by agrarian reform beneficiaries, encompassing the related interests, penalties, and surcharges.

Furthermore, Go was one of the authors of RA 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity.

Additionally, the senator filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2117, a measure to ensure thorough crop insurance protection for agrarian reform beneficiaries. To complement the bill, Go introduced SBN 2118 to improve insurance coverage and services for farmers and address the agricultural sector’s susceptibility to the consequences of natural disasters if enacted into law.

Earlier, Go also emphasized the importance of improving competitiveness and safeguarding local farmers and industries amid the ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Go believes that with open competition as a result of RCEP, the prices of goods should decrease, and ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor and those in the agricultural sector, must benefit from it.

In addition, Senator Go highlighted the importance of intensifying the campaign against agricultural smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering, which he said exacerbates the food crisis. “We must suppress illegal activities that are contributing to the rise in food prices,” he urged.

Go also underscored the broader implications of food security, stating that it is a matter of national security. “When food becomes too expensive or scarce, people may lose trust in the government,” he warned, stressing the need for immediate action to stabilize food supply and prices.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go assured that he would continue advocating for measures that address both the health and nutritional needs of the population, especially the most vulnerable sectors.

Meanwhile, Go has extended his feeding program to hospitals with Malasakit Centers, aiming to assist indigent patients and their families during medical treatment. The initiative, which Go initiated after witnessing many patients struggle to afford meals during their hospital stay, provides free food to ease the financial strain on those dealing with significant medical challenges.

“Prayoridad ko ang pagsuporta sa pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. ‘Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa kapwa ko lingkod bayan na unahin ang kapakanan ng mga mahihirap,” said Go, who is also dubbed Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to the poor.

“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,” he underscored.