Go highlights need to improve water supply in schools, communities

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, a staunch advocate for improved access to basic services, stressed the importance of providing clean and accessible water to schools and communities.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go recently advocated for the construction of a water supply system at the San Isidro campus of Davao Oriental State University (DORSU) under the 2025 national budget. The initiative aims to resolve long-standing water accessibility issues at the campus, benefiting students, faculty, and the surrounding community.

“Ang tubig ay isa sa pinaka-basic na pangangailangan ng tao. Nakakahiya naman kung mga estudyante sa unibersidad, wala pang maayos na access sa malinis na tubig,” Go said. “Kaya itinulak natin na maisama ito sa budget para matugunan ang problema sa tubig.”

The water supply system, slated for construction this year, is expected to ease the campus’s persistent water challenges. Go emphasized the importance of prioritizing infrastructure that directly impacts people's daily lives.

“Hindi lang ito para sa mga estudyante,” Go added. “Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa buong komunidad ng San Isidro. Kapag maayos ang infrastructure, mas napapadali ang buhay ng bawat isa.”

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also linked the water initiative to his broader health advocacy, noting that access to clean water is vital for preventing diseases related to poor sanitation.

“Kalusugan ang unang naapektuhan kapag walang malinis na tubig,” he said. “Kaya kung gusto nating gumanda ang sistema ng edukasyon, siguraduhin natin na healthy ang mga estudyante.”

Go, who has authored multiple health-related bills, explained that addressing basic needs like clean water complements his ongoing push for improved healthcare facilities, especially in underserved areas.

“Maraming pinaglalabanan sa budget, pero kailangang siguraduhin na napupunta ito sa mga proyekto na talagang may pakinabang sa tao,” he said. “Ito ang layunin natin sa Senado — ang ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa bawat Pilipino.”

In addition, Go highlighted his push for sports infrastructure development at DORSU. He successfully advocated for the rehabilitation of the gymnasium at DORSU’s main campus as Chairperson of both the Senate Committees on Youth and on Sports.