Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was recognized as the Most Outstanding Public Servant at the World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) held on 10 April at The Heritage Hotel in Manila.

In his acceptance speech, Go expressed heartfelt gratitude, reaffirming that hard work, compassion and public service remain at the core of his mission.

“With or without an award, my duty is to serve the Filipino people. What I can offer is hard work, compassion and more service,” he said.

He also commended the organizers — especially WCEJA founder and CEO Emma C. Toba — for honoring individuals who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.

“This award is not just about recognition. It’s a reminder of our responsibility as public servants and an inspiration to serve more sincerely, especially the poor and needy,” Go added.

He dedicated the award to all who work behind the scenes to help others, urging Filipinos to act with kindness while they can.

“We only pass through this world once. Whatever help we can give, let’s do it now,” he said. “I am your Senator, Kuya Bong Go, and I will continue to serve — because service is my passion.”

 Go supports small businesses

Earlier, Go visited Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, where he emphasized the important role of small-scale entrepreneurs in the local economy. He showed support for locally made products and businesses, including a brief exchange with a lumpiang togue vendor saving up to become a teacher — a story he praised as an example of Filipino resilience and ambition.

As an adopted son of the province, Go vowed to champion infrastructure and youth development projects, inspecting initiatives he backed as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. These included a youth center, a multi-purpose building in the IT Park, and a riders’ hub for motorcycle users.

“Please don’t thank me. I should be the one thanking you for giving a simple provincial guy like me the chance to serve,” he said.

Go also reiterated support for public health, grassroots sports, education and livelihood programs. He highlighted Republic Act 11463, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers, offering medical assistance to those in need.