Sen.. Christopher “Bong” Go challenged young leaders to stay grounded in the realities faced by ordinary Filipinos, standing firm against corruption, and leading with compassion during the Romblon Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Congress 2026 held on Wednesday, July 22, at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City.
An adopted son of Romblon, Go joined around 300 youth leaders and councilors from across the province at the congress, which carried the theme, “Enabling Young Leaders through Capacity-Building, Mentorship, and Collaboration.”
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, he emphasized the vital role of the younger generation in nation-building.
“As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, I firmly believe that our youth have an important role to play in nation-building. Hindi ninyo kailangang hintayin ang tamang panahon para makagawa ng pagbabago. Sa bawat programang inyong inilulunsad at sa bawat kabataang inyong natutulungan, nakapag-aambag po kayo sa paghubog ng mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa inyong komunidad,” Go said.
He reminded the delegates that the words of Dr. Jose Rizal—ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan—carry with them a responsibility to shape the country’s future.
“In these challenging times, not just in our country but across the globe, our young people have a critical role to play. Paulit-ulit nating naririnig ang sinabi ni Dr. Jose Rizal—ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. But this is not just a quotation; it is a real responsibility. Nakasalalay sa inyong mga kamay ang mas magandang kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” he underscored.
Senator Go then challenged the young leaders to understand the real conditions faced by their communities.
“First, stay informed. Kailangan may alam tayo sa mga tunay na isyung kinakaharap ng ating mamamayan. When you understand the ground realities, your programs and advocacies will be grounded on real solutions, not just empty promises,” he stressed.
“Alam ninyo ang hirap ng panahon ngayon. Ang taas ng bilihin at nahihirapan ang ordinaryong Pilipino na pagkasyahin ang kanilang maliit na kita. Minsan, wala nang naiuuwi sa kanilang hapag-kainan,” Go added.
Go then urged the officials to develop initiatives that directly improve the lives of young Filipinos.
“What can the youth do? Think of practical solutions—small-scale livelihood programs and skills training for our out-of-school youth. Give them hands-on skills so they can earn a living and help feed their families. In this small but meaningful way, step by step, we help eradicate poverty in our communities,” he said.
He also called on the youth to become champions of integrity and accountability in public service.
“Second, we must stand firm against corruption. Ang korapsyon sa gobyerno ay direktang pagnanakaw sa pera ng taumbayan—pera ng mga taxpayers katulad ninyo at ako. Para nating hinahayaan na ninanakawan ang sarili nating bulsa. If we lessen, if not completely eliminate, corruption in government, imagine how much more funding can go directly to public services, better healthcare, decent housing, and quality education for everyone,” he emphasized.
A member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, Go reiterated his support for measures that strengthen local governance and empower barangay and youth officials to deliver more effective public service.
He cited Republic Act No. 11935, which postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to allow incumbent officials sufficient time to implement and complete programs benefiting their communities.
Go likewise continues to support digital governance reforms as one of the authors and co-sponsors of RA 12023, or the E-Governance Act, which seeks to streamline government processes, reduce red tape, and make public services more efficient, transparent, and accessible.
Recognizing the indispensable role of frontline healthcare workers, Go also refiled Senate Bill No. 412, which seeks to institutionalize the compensation, benefits, and incentives of barangay health workers.
Go also reaffirmed his commitment to developing young Filipino athletes through RA 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS). The institution combines quality secondary education with specialized sports training to help student-athletes excel both academically and athletically.
To make this opportunity available to more Filipino youth, particularly those in the Visayas and Mindanao, Go filed SBN 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses across the country.
During the event, Go recognized the officers of the Romblon SK Federation, led by SK President Board Member Brosh Stevan Malay, together with Vice President Ma. Antonitte D. Macalipay, Secretary General Charlene Dale F. Vestido, Treasurer Kyert Gil G. Fabella, and Auditor Jacen C. Bernabe.
He also acknowledged the officers of the PCL Romblon Chapter headed by President Board Member Mart Silverio, alongside Vice President Councilor Romeo Chua, Secretary General Councilor Menchie Garachico, Treasurer William Tan, Auditor Councilor Zaldy Marin, and Public Relations Officer Councilor Nhiesel Teologo.
“Huwag po kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa akin anumang oras. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo diyan sa Romblon,” Go concluded.
