Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the indispensable role of farmers in securing the nation’s food supply and called for stronger institutional and legislative support to uplift their welfare during his attendance at the Farmers Day celebration in Panit-an, Capiz, on Thursday, 7 August.

Speaking before a crowd of local officials, farmers, and community members, Go, who is also an adopted son of Capiz, emphasized that food security cannot be achieved without ensuring the well-being of those who till the land. He reiterated his support for programs and laws designed to ease the burden of farmers, improve their livelihood, and protect their long-term viability.

“Ngayong Farmers Day, narito po tayo para kilalanin at pasalamatan ang tunay na haligi ng ating bayan, ang ating mga magsasaka,” Go declared during his speech.

“Kung walang magsasaka, wala tayong pagkain sa hapag. Sabi nga po, kung wala ang magsasaka, gutom ang bayan… Kaya dapat silang iginagalang at pinapahalagahan.”

Reflecting on the daily sacrifices of farmers, Go acknowledged the backbreaking nature of agricultural labor and the frequent financial hardships it entails.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Go took the opportunity to detail his legislative efforts to empower the agriculture sector.

“Bilang senador, malinaw po sa akin na mahalagang mabigyan ng konkretong suporta ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” he said. “We have consistently championed policies that uplift the agricultural sector and promote national food security, ensuring that farmers and fisherfolk receive the financial and institutional support they need to thrive.”

He is a co-author of Republic Act No. 11901, also known as the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022. The law seeks to strengthen financial mechanisms and widen access to credit and funding for farmers and fisherfolk.

“Ako po ay co-author ng Republic Act No. 11901… na nagpapalakas sa mga mekanismong pinansyal at suporta para mas mapadali ang pag-access ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa mga kinakailangang resources,” Go said.

He is also a co-sponsor and co-author of RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which removes the debt burden of agrarian reform beneficiaries by condoning their unpaid amortizations, interests, penalties, and surcharges.

Go highlighted other agriculture-related bills he filed in the Senate to strengthen the support infrastructure for farmers. These include Senate Bill No. 680, which, if enacted, will mandate the construction of post-harvest facilities in agricultural municipalities; SBN 681, which proposes fertilizer subsidies for farmers; and SBN 673, which seeks to provide full crop insurance coverage to agrarian reform beneficiaries with small landholdings.

Go reiterated that supporting farmers is a daily responsibility, not a symbolic act tied to celebrations alone. “Mga kababayan, hindi biro ang papel na ginagampanan ng ating mga magsasaka para sa seguridad sa pagkain ng bansa.”

“Kapag maayos ang kanilang buhay, maayos din ang takbo ng buong bayan. Kaya dapat, hindi lang tuwing Farmers Day natin sila pinapahalagahan, kundi araw-araw,” he stated.

During his visit, Senator Go also took the time to acknowledge and thank key local officials for their partnership in advancing programs that benefit the farming sector and the people of Panit-an and surrounding areas.

Among those recognized were Congressman Howard Guintu of Capiz’s First District; Governor Fred Castro; Vice Governor James "Mitang" Magbanua; Board Member Pepe del Rosario; former Board Member Thea Faith Reyes; Mayor Katherine D. Belo of Panit-an; and Mayor Henry Tumlos of Pontevedra. Also present were Vice Mayor Atty. Audie Advincula, municipal councilors, barangay captains, department heads, and other local leaders and officials.

Go’s continued advocacy for farmers, fisherfolk, and marginalized sectors reflects his consistent call for inclusive growth and equitable access to essential services, especially in rural communities that remain at the core of Philippine society and development.

He concluded his remarks by reiterating his personal philosophy of public service. “Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”

“Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” Go declared.

On the same day, Senator Go also attended the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Sigma, where he joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly completed farm-to-market road. He then proceeded to Panit-an, where he likewise inaugurated another Super Health Center.

Go also paid a courtesy call on Capiz Governor Fred Castro as part of his continuous engagement with local leaders to strengthen coordination in delivering meaningful and tangible services to the public.