‘TULUNGANG MAKABANGON SA HIRAP ANG ATING MGA KABABAYAN’ — BONG GO HELPS MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN CATEEL, DAVAO ORIENTAL

On Friday, August 30, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Cateel, Davao Oriental, where he extended much-needed assistance to struggling residents. This visit is part of his ongoing efforts to support the welfare of marginalized communities across the country.

During the visit, Go emphasized the importance of government programs that directly benefit those in need, particularly minimum wage earners who are struggling amidst the rising costs of living.

“Mahirap ang laban kontra sa taas ng presyo, kaya dapat lang na magtulungan at magmalasakit tayo sa isa’t isa. Gamitin dapat ang pondo ng gobyerno para tulungang makabangon sa hirap ang ating mga kababayan at magkaroon ng maayos na kabuhayan,” Go said, stressing the need for collective efforts and efficient use of government funds to help Filipinos overcome poverty and improve their livelihoods.

The senator also underscored that the goal should not be limited to providing temporary relief but to establish sustainable measures for long-term progress.

“Ang layunin dapat natin ay hindi lamang magbigay ng pansamantalang tulong, kundi magtaguyod ng isang matibay na hakbang para sa pag-unlad,” he added.

With this, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, shirts, basketballs, volleyballs, vitamins, sling bags, and snacks to 1,750 identified low-income individuals composed of laborers, fishefolks, and senior citizens, during two separate relief activities at the gymnasiums of Barangays Taytayan and Sta. Filomena.

The senator also gave away bicycles, shoes, a mobile phone, and a watch to select beneficiaries. Another set of 1,500 beneficiaries were also assisted during their visit.

“Salamat sa inyong pagsuporta. Huwag kayong mag-alala, hindi ko sasayangin ang inyong tiwala. Nagtatrabaho ako para sa Pilipino, dahil ito ang nakasanayan ko. Wala akong pinipiling araw—Sabado man, Linggo—patuloy akong magsisilbi sa inyo,” said Go in his speech.

Meanwhile, through the collective efforts of Go, national agencies, and local officials, including Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang, Vice Governor JR Dayanghirang, San Isidro Mayor Angel Go, BM Nonoy Villademosa, BM Andy Monday BM Terio Manaytay, Cateel Councilors Eva Castro and Cynthia Steinl, Mati City Councilor Alexander Alcantara, Lupon Councilor Don Montojo, ABC President Eugene Gambong, Brgy. Taytayan Captain Mamirta Alba, among others, each qualified beneficiary received financial support from the government.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, the senator offered further aid to those who may need medical assistance as he encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City.

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. Currently, there are 166 Malasakit Centers operational nationwide, ready to assist with patients’ medical expenses, and have already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos, according to the data from the Department of Health.

As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go earlier supported several initiatives in the province. Among the projects is the rehabilitation of roads in Banaybanay, Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Lupon, Manay, and San Isidro; the construction of multipurpose buildings in Banaybanay, Lupon, Governor Generoso, San Isidro, and Caraga; street lighting project in Lupon and Banaybanay; construction of potable water systems in Baganga, Lupon, and Manay; and construction of flood mitigation structures in Caraga, Cateel, Lupon, Manay, San Isidro, and Tarragona; rehabilitation of drainage systems in Lupon and San Isidro; and construction of a slaughterhouse in San Isidro.

Other initiatives backed by Go include the construction of several roads, the development of the Davao Oriental Sports Complex, the rehabilitation of Buso Hot Spring Park, and the construction of a Public Park/Eco-Tourism Park in Mati City.

“Naniniwala ako na kung maganda ang hangarin mo para sa ibang tao, pro-proteksyunan ka ng Panginoon…Hindi ako takot mamatay, dahil isang karangalan po na mamatay habang naglilingkod sa kanyang kababayan,” Go underscored.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Diyos, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” ended Go.

On the same day, Go also attended the turnover of a Super Health Center in the town and inspected another one. Later, he went to Baganga, where he provided aid to indigents and displaced workers, and inspected a Super Health Center in that town as well.