Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed the government's responsibility to keep rice and other commodities affordable for vulnerable communities amid rising inflation.

Go made the call in an interview during the World Teachers' Day celebration in Antipolo City Thursday, 5 October, a day after the government lifted the temporary price cap on rice.

"The lifting of the rice price ceiling was based on positive indicators," Go said when asked about the timeliness of lifting the price cap on rice.

He went on to stress the importance of rice as a staple food in the Filipino diet, stating, "Importante talaga ang bigas. Halos lahat ng Pilipino, tayo kumakain tayo ng kanin." (Rice is really important. Filipinos all eat rice.)

The senator emphasized the role of the Department of Trade and Industry  and the executive department in monitoring prices of commodities and protecting Filipinos from the adverse effects of inflation.

Go has already earlier appealed to the concerned agencies of government, particularly DTI, to address rising prices of commodities, mitigate the impact of inflation, and provide more livelihood opportunities for the poor to help them recover from the pandemic and other recent crises.

Go was adamant about the need for immediate government intervention to help poor Filipinos overcome poverty and avoid hunger. He stressed that there are existing government programs that should be maximized to help the poor especially under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, led a relief operation for impoverished individuals at Ynares Events Center in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday, 5 October.

The senator was also joined by Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Mayor Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III, Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, and Board Member Randy Puno, among others.

Essential goods, such as grocery packs, vitamins, masks, and snacks, were given to 620 residents consisting of indigents and fire victims. Bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, shirts, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball were also given to select recipients.