Senator Christopher “Bong” Go graced the vibrant Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City on Sunday, February 23, underscoring the significance of such festivities in preserving tradition, strengthening cultural identity, and fostering economic growth in local communities.
During an interview, Senator Go emphasized how celebrations like Kalilangan serve as more than just annual traditions but as vital platforms to boost the local economy. “Alam niyo sa bawat festival, may turismo po. Kapag may turismo, may trabaho. May mga investors po na pumapasok kaya ako po’y masaya,” he said.
He extended his appreciation to Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao and other officials for their exemplary leadership in organizing the festival and for their unwavering dedication to the welfare of their constituents.
As a staunch advocate of grassroots development, Senator Go reiterated his commitment to supporting local initiatives that uplift communities.
Go co-sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate of Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. The OTOP program promotes national pride in Filipino-made products while providing small-scale producers opportunities to expand their market reach. By focusing on local specialties, the program aims to elevate the livelihoods of communities and contribute to the nation’s overall economic progress.
The Kalilangan Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. It is one of the most anticipated events in Mindanao, featuring street dancing, trade fairs, cultural performances, and other community-driven activities that bring together locals and tourists alike.
As the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged those with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Center at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City.
Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide have assisted more than 17.5 million poor Filipinos according to DOH. The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go to ensure Filipinos can conveniently access medical assistance programs from concerned agencies.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported projects in the city, such as the construction of two Super Health Centers, several multipurpose buildings, and flood control structures. He also supported the city’s acquisition of ambulances and a mini dump truck.
Before attending the festival, Senator Go also visited Malapatan, Sarangani, where he witnessed the turnover of the town’s newly established Super Health Center.
The facility, built with his support as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, aims to bring government medical services closer to Filipinos, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.
“Aside from celebrating your festival, nabisita ko po sa Malapatan ‘yung Super Health Center. Isa po ito sa proyekto para mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayan. Malayong lugar po itong Malapatan kaya malayo po ito sa hospital,” Go explained during the interview.
“Bilang inyong Chairman on Committee on Health, uunahin ko po ang kalusugan ng Pilipino, lalo na po ‘yung mahihirap nating kababayan na walang pangbayad sa hospital,” he continued.
Senator Go concluded his visit by encouraging the people of General Santos City to remain united and resilient, assuring them that he will always be a partner in progress. “Habang tayo ay patuloy na nagdiriwang ng ating kasaysayan at kultura, huwag nating kalimutan na mas lalo pang pagtibayin ang ating pagkakaisa upang mas mapalakas ang ating lungsod at buong bansa,” he remarked.
“Isang beses lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kaya anumang tulong ang pwede nating ibigay sa kapwa, o anumang karangalan ang pwede nating ialay sa bansa, ay gawin at ibigay na natin ngayon,” Go said.
“Ako bilang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Maraming salamat po,” Mr. Malasakit concluded.
With the successful staging of Kalilangan 2025, the festival continues to be a testament to the enduring spirit of General Santos City—one that thrives in both cultural pride and economic prosperity, a vision that Senator Go, a reelectionist, remains committed to supporting in the years to come.
“Pagdating ng panahon, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Sipag po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo,” Go affirmed.
