Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the vibrant Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City on Sunday, emphasizing the crucial role such festivals play in preserving traditions, strengthening cultural identity, and promoting the economic growth of local communities.

In an interview, Go highlighted how events like Kalilangan were more than just annual celebrations — they serve as platforms for boosting the local economy.

“You know, every festival brings tourism. When there’s tourism, there are jobs. Investors come in, and that’s why I am happy,” he said in Filipino, stressing that tourism ultimately benefits the community.

Go expressed his gratitude to Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao and other local officials for their exceptional leadership in organizing the festival, which underscored their commitment to the welfare of their constituents.

As a staunch advocate for grassroots development, Go reaffirmed his support for local initiatives aimed at uplifting communities. He co-sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act 11960, the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act.

The program promotes national pride in Philippine-made products while offering small-scale producers an opportunity to expand their market reach. By focusing on local specialties, OTOP aims to improve the livelihoods of communities and contribute to the nation’s overall economic growth.

The Kalilangan Festival, an annual celebration, spotlights General Santos City’s rich history and cultural heritage. It is one of the most anticipated events in Mindanao, featuring street dancing, trade fairs, cultural performances, and other activities that bring together locals and tourists alike.

As the chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged attendees with health concerns to visit the Malasakit Center at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City.

The Malasakit Centers, which now total 167 nationwide, have assisted more than 17.5-million underprivileged Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. Go was the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which aims to make medical assistance from the agencies concerned more accessible to the people.

As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported various local projects, including the construction of two Super Health Centers, several multipurpose buildings, flood control structures, and the acquisition of ambulances and a mini dump truck for General Santos City.

Before attending the festival, Go visited Malapatan, Sarangani, where he witnessed the turnover of the newly established Super Health Center. Built with Go’s support as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, the facility aims to bring government medical services closer to the people, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.

“As the chairman of the Committee on Health, I prioritize the health of Filipinos, especially our poor citizens who cannot afford hospital fees,” Go said during his visit.

In closing, Go encouraged the people of General Santos City to remain united and resilient, assuring them that he would always be a partner in their progress.

“As we continue to celebrate our history and culture, let us not forget to strengthen our unity so that we can empower our city and our nation,” he said.

“We only pass through this world once. So, whatever help we can give to others, or whatever honor we can offer to our country, we should give it now,” Go said.

As the Kalilangan Festival concluded with great success, it highlighted General Santos City’s enduring spirit — one that thrives on cultural pride and economic prosperity. Senator Go, who is running reelection, remains committed to supporting this vision in the years to come.

“In the future, I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability because serving our fellow Filipinos is my passion. I offer my hard work to you,” Go said.