Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Lupon, Davao Oriental, on Tuesday, November 3, to extend assistance to 560 barangay health workers (BHWs) and barangay functionaries, recognizing their contributions to delivering essential services, promoting community welfare, and maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level.
During the activity, Go led the distribution of financial assistance, food packs, snacks, shirts, and basketballs to the beneficiaries. Additional items, including shoes for men and women, watches, bicycles, and cellphones, were also raffled off to bring added excitement to the gathering.
“Atong palanggaon ang atong mga kaigsuonang Pilipino. Kabalo ko lisod ang panahon karon, taas ang palitunon. Magtinabangay lang ta. Ako, maningkamot ko nga mutabang sa inyo sa abot sa akong makaya,” he said.
(Mahalin natin ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Alam kong mahirap ang panahon ngayon at mataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Magtulungan lang tayo. Ako naman, magsisikap akong tumulong sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya.)
He also encouraged constituents to remain in touch with his office through his local representatives, emphasizing the importance of keeping public service accessible.
“Naa akong anak diri, kung naa mo’y gusto ipa-abot nga sugyot sa akoa, ayaw mo’g duha-duha og duol sa iya, kung naa mo’y tuyo, pwede ninyo ipa-agi sa iyaha. Isa lang akong tugon sa tanan, trabaho lang ta, serbisyo lang ta. Dapat abri ang atong mga opisina kanunay labi na alang sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga nanginahanglan og tabang,” he added.
(Nandito lang ang anak ko. Kung may nais kayong iparating na mungkahi sa akin, huwag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa kanya. Kung may kailangan kayo, maaari ninyo itong idaan sa kanya. Iisa lang ang aking tugon sa lahat: magtrabaho lang tayo at magserbisyo lang tayo. Dapat laging bukas ang ating mga opisina, lalo na para sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng tulong.)
Recognizing the need to provide stronger institutional support for BHWs, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11712, which provides health emergency allowances and other benefits for eligible healthcare workers during public health emergencies.
Go also pushed for Senate Bill No. 412, or the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, which seeks to improve their welfare and provide them with additional benefits and protection. He also filed SBN 1352, which seeks to provide additional protection for workers in the private health sector.
Beyond healthcare, Go has also pursued legislative measures to strengthen barangay governance and improve the welfare of local officials and personnel. Among these is SBN 197, or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to provide barangay officials with salaries and benefits comparable to those of regular government employees.
Go also previously filed SBN 2802, which proposed extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three years to four years.
On August 13, 2025, RA 12232 was then signed which set a four-year term for Barangay and SK officials and postponed the elections to November 2026.
The measure was later followed by legislation addressing the same matter, with the signing of RA 12326 on September 24 of this year. The law fixes the term of barangay and SK officials at five years and moves the next Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) to the second Monday of November 2028.
The visit also formed part of Go’s continuing efforts to bring government assistance closer to communities. He emphasized the important role of barangay personnel in addressing community concerns, coordinating local initiatives, and ensuring that essential services reach residents.
The activity was held with the participation of local officials, including Davao Oriental Board Member Don Montojo, Lupon Mayor Santos Alonzo Jr., Lupon Vice Mayor Atty. Christian Lawrence “Chrence” Go, Councilors Harold Yuan Montes, Pearlie Guiñez, Reynaldo Suriba, Hadji Bonso Barabag, Jinggay Quiñones, and Cenen Angsingco, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Princess Suyman, among others.
Go also acknowledged Brgy. Lantawan Captain Discoro Magnanao, Brgy. Bagumbayan Captain Harold Ramos, Brgy. Corporacion Captain dela Cuadra, and Brgy. Slangy Captain Marybeth Hanani
Go also expressed his appreciation to the people of Lupon and Davao Oriental for their continued trust and support, emphasizing his commitment to remaining accessible to constituents and helping address their concerns.
“Mga silingan, itrato lang ko ninyo nga silingan lang. Taga Lupon sab ko ug naa lang koy gusto iingon sa inyo. Gusto lang nako magpasalamat sa inyong padayon nga pagsalig ug suporta sa pamilyang Go,” he said.
(Mga kapitbahay, ituring lang ninyo akong isang kapitbahay. Taga-Lupon din ako at may nais lang akong sabihin sa inyo. Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa patuloy ninyong tiwala at suporta sa pamilya Go.)
Prior to the activity, Go also bought dirty ice cream, which he shared with the people. After the gathering, he purchased peanuts and chicharron from local vendors as a way of supporting small businesses in the community.
“Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, padayon namo serbisyo kaninyong tanan kay ako nagatuo na ang serbisyo sa tao, serbisyo kana sa Ginoo,” he concluded.
(Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go. Ipagpapatuloy namin ang paglilingkod sa inyong lahat dahil naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.)
