Leyte leaders laud Senator Bong Go’s efforts at bringing services closer to communities

Leyte leaders expressed deep appreciation for Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s unwavering commitment to public service, particularly his efforts in supporting healthcare facilities and disaster response initiatives. 

They emphasized Go’s vital role in sustaining the province’s hospitals, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health.

"Dili ka namo puwedeng makalimtan, Senator. Maong naniguro gyud ko nga maka-pasalamat sa imo atubangan sa tanan,” Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla said in his speech.

("Hinding-hindi ka namin makakalimutan, Senator. Kaya sinigurado ko po na makakapag pasalamat ako sa iyo sa harap ng lahat.")

The governor made this statement during the Liga ng mga Barangay Leyte Provincial Chapter Annual Congress on Tuesday, March 4, at the International Eucharistic Convention Center in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City. The event served as a platform for barangay leaders to discuss pressing concerns in local governance, including disaster preparedness and community resilience.

For his part, Go underscored the importance of barangay officials in community development, describing them as the first line of government service in addressing the needs of Filipinos.

"Naiintindihan ko ang trabaho ng mga barangay officials: kapitan, kagawad, SK (Sangguniang Kabataan), treasurer, at secretary. Kayo ang takbuhan... may pakiusap lang po ako sa inyong lahat. Huwag niyo pabayaan ang mga mahihirap na walang ibang mapuntahan. Tayong mga nasa gobyerno, tulungan natin ang mga mahihirap na walang matakbuhan,” Go said.

“Bilang inyong lingkod, nais kong tiyakin sa inyo na hindi ako titigil sa pagsusulong ng mga programa at batas na magpapalakas sa inyong kakayahan bilang mga pinuno ng barangay,” Go stated.

Consequently, Go reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting barangay officials through legislative measures. He cited his support for Republic Act Nos. 11462, which postponed Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, allowing officials more time to implement their initiatives for their constituents’ benefit.

Additionally, he highlighted Senate Bill No. 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to provide barangay officials with salaries and benefits similar to regular government employees. He also pushed for SBN 2802, a proposed measure aimed at setting the term of office for barangay and SK officials to four years. 

Furthermore, the senator stated that he would continuously support barangay officials in their projects and programs to uplift the lives of the Filipino people and bring services closer to communities. 

“Kung muli akong pagkakatiwalaan ng ating mga kababayan, asahan ninyo ang aking patuloy na suporta sa inyo. Palalakasin natin ang mga programang magbibigay ng direktang benepisyo sa barangay level,” he expressed.

The Senator then acknowledged the presence of the key officials present during the event, such as Governor Jericho Petilla, Vice Governor Sandy Javier, the LNB officers headed by LNB National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy, Leyte Provincial Liga President BM Ma. Martina Gimenez, and LNB National Secretary General Councilor Celestino Martinez III, and ABC Presidents, among others.

“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko na po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” Go ended.

Earlier that day, Go was also invited as a guest of honor and speaker during the LNB Antique Chapter Congress in Iloilo City.

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