‘UNAHIN ANG KAPAKANAN NG MGA MAHIHIRAP’ — BONG GO GIVES HOPE AND SUPPORT TO INDIGENTS AND FISHERFOLK IN LUPON, DAVAO ORIENTAL

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the vital role of fisherfolk in society while renewing his call to ensure that vulnerable Filipinos receive the necessary support they need to overcome economic challenges.

In his personal visit to Lupon, Davao Oriental on Friday, October 18, the senator emphasized the importance of inclusive recovery and urged local leaders to prioritize the well-being of the underprivileged, especially those whose livelihoods are directly tied to natural resources, such as the hardworking fisherfolk of the town.

“Pakiusap, huwag nating pabayaan ang mga kababayan natin, lalung-lalo na ang mga mahihirap. Ang ating mga mangingisda ay isa sa mga haligi ng ating lipunan at ekonomiya. Kailangan nating tulungan sila dahil sila ang nagbibigay ng pagkain sa ating mga mesa. Sa kabila ng mga hamon, unahin natin ang kanilang kapakanan,” said Go during the event.

Held at the Barangay Poblacion Gymnasium, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, shirts, vitamins, masks, and snacks to 1,500 indigent residents, including many local fisherfolks. To further assist them, selected beneficiaries received bicycles, shoes, and mobile phones.

Furthermore, through the efforts of local leaders including Councilor John Erwin Montojo, the beneficiaries received financial assistance from the government, to aid in their daily activities, ensuring that no sector of society is left behind.

The senator also took the opportunity to acknowledge the hardworking officials of Lupon who have been instrumental in serving the local community. He expressed his gratitude to Mayor Erlinda Lim, Vice Mayor Santos “Sonny” Alonzo Jr., and the members of the Municipal Council, among others, for their dedication to public service and for ensuring the success of the distribution activities.

Go also took the opportunity to discuss key legislative measures aimed at improving the lives of fisherfolk and rural communities. He is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 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, to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity.

Moreover, Go served as a co-sponsor and co-author of RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condones loans accrued by agrarian reform beneficiaries, encompassing the related interests, penalties, and surcharges. This law provides much-needed financial relief to farmers, allowing them to focus on productivity and improving their livelihoods.

“Sa ating mga mangingisda dito sa Davao Oriental, mahalaga kayo sa ating lipunan. Kaya patuloy po akong maglilingkod at magsusulong ng mga proyektong makakatulong sa inyong kabuhayan at kalusugan. Magseserbisyo ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil yan ang aking bisyo — ang magserbisyo,” Go reassured the residents.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also emphasized his commitment to providing accessible healthcare to fisherfolk and other indigent residents. He encouraged those facing health challenges to visit the nearest Malasakit Center at Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City, which offers medical assistance to those in need.

“Sa Malasakit Center, hindi niyo na kailangang pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina para makahingi ng tulong. Isa lang ang pupuntahan niyo at ito ay para sa lahat, lalo na para sa ating mga kababayan nangangailangan ng tulong-medikal,” Go explained.

The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, aims to reduce hospital bills by covering services and expenses for indigent patients. There are now 166 centers nationwide, ensuring that communities like Lupon have access to quality healthcare. According to the Department of Health, these centers have already catered to the needs of more than 15 million Filipinos.

Senator Go’s visit to Lupon is part of his ongoing mission to ensure that every Filipino, especially those in essential sectors like agriculture, is not left behind amid the nation’s efforts to recover and thrive despite economic challenges.

On the same day, Go, in coordination with the local government of Lupon, also assisted more indigent residents of the town.