“Ilapit ang serbisyo sa mga Pilipino” — Senator Bong Go partners with barangay secretaries of Batangas to improve public service delivery

 “Ilapit ang serbisyo sa mga Pilipino” — Senator Bong Go partners with barangay secretaries of Batangas to improve public service delivery

Senator Christopher “Bong” T. Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON region with roots from Batangas through the Tesoro side of his family, partnered with the Batangas Province Association of Barangay Secretaries during their Provincial Convention which took place at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City on Tuesday, March 25. 

Through a video call, Senator Go expressed his deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of barangay secretaries, emphasizing their vital role in the local governance system. 

"This gathering is a testament to your unity, commitment, and dedication to improving public service at the grassroots level. As barangay secretaries, you play a vital yet often unrecognized role in the day-to-day governance of our communities, kaya saludo po ako sa inyong lahat," Go said.

"Asahan niyo po ang aking patuloy na suporta. Patuloy lang po tayong magtulungan. Magkaisa po tayo para sa mas maayos, mas maunlad, at mas makataong serbisyong bayan," he added.

The Senator highlighted his commitment to empowering barangay officials through legislative measures. He supported Republic Act No. 11462, which postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, giving officials more time to focus on their initiatives for the benefit of their constituents.

He also cited his filed Senate Bill No. 197, known as the Magna Carta for Barangays, which aims to provide barangay officials with salaries and benefits comparable to regular government employees if passed into law. 

He also filed SBN 2802, which seeks to extend the terms of barangay and SK officials from three years to four years, ensuring fixed and sustainable governance.

As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged fellow Batangueños to utilize the assistance available in Malasakit Centers located at Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery.

Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops consolidating assistance from government agencies to reduce hospital bills to the lowest possible cost. Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program.  At present, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, having helped over 17 million Filipinos with medical expenses.  

“Let this convention be an opportunity to strengthen your capacities, share best practices, and inspire one another to deliver more efficient and compassionate service to your constituents,” Go reminded as he acknowledged officers present including Provincial President Professor Alona Panaligan.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need