Senator Christopher "Bong" Go attended a Christmas celebration organized for barangay health workers 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.

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.    

In Zamboanga City Thursday, Go lauded the local government unit of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, for the successful groundbreaking of its Super Health Center in Barangay Gunyan.

Local officials, including Mayor Alberto Bongcawel and Congresswoman Glona Labadlabad, among others attended the event.

According to Go, this event marks a pivotal step in reinforcing the country's health infrastructure. He also added that this center is set to play an essential role in strengthening the country's health system, especially in the grassroots.

Meanwhile, Go's Malasakit Team visited Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat also Thursday, 21 December to provide support to victims still recovering from typhoon "Paeng."

Held at the municipal covered court, the Malasakit Team assisted 324 affected residents. The beneficiaries received grocery packs, shirts, vitamins, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball while some of them received a watch, a cellular phone, and a pair of shoes.

Aside from the assistance from Go, qualified beneficiaries also received housing assistance from the National Housing Authority under the agency's Emergency Housing Assistance Program.