Senator Christopher "Bong" Go attended a Christmas celebration organized for barangay health workers (BHW) of Lupon town and some barangay officials in Davao Oriental on Saturday, 23 December.

The event, held at Barangay Poblacion Gymnasium in Lupon, was to show gratitude and appreciation for the grassroots officials who have been pivotal in community service throughout the year. A total of 483 barangay health workers and 97 barangay captains attended. Go was joined by his son, Christian Lawrence, as well as local officials during his visit.

Go emphasized the crucial role of barangay officials, acknowledging their efforts in serving their communities. "No matter the title, every public servant at the barangay level plays a vital role in our nation's progress. Your dedication to service is the foundation of our communities," he said.

Recognizing the challenges faced at the grassroots level, the senator also took this opportunity to reiterate his support for barangay officials and workers.

"Hindi ko sasayangin ang pagakakataon na ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magse-serbisyo ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi ako politiko na mangangako, magtatrabaho lang ako para sa Pilipino. At alam nyo naman ako kung paano ako magtrabaho, wala akong pinipiling oras, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya," said Go.

"Ayaw kong masayang ang oras, dahil ang aking bisyo ay magserbisyo sa mamamayan," he added.

Moreover, he highlighted key points of his legislative agenda to bolster support for barangay officials, including Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangay.

The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to ensure sufficient support for barangays, enabling them to carry out their duties efficiently. Under this bill, barangay officials – which include the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer – would be given benefits like regular government employees. If passed into law, they would be entitled to receive salaries, benefits, and allowances, along with other advantages.

Furthermore, SBN 427, also known as the BHW Compensation Act, was introduced by Go to grant BHWs a monthly honorarium if passed into law. This proposed bill aims to offer BHWs a comprehensive benefits package that includes allowances, job security, annual training for skill enhancement, and eligibility for civil service.