Kuya Bong vows focus on empowering farmers

Farmers play an indispensable role in securing the nation’s food supply and call for stronger institutional and legislative support to uplift their welfare during their attendance at the Farmers Day celebration in Panit-an, Capiz, on 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.

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.

“As a senator, it is clear to me that it is important to provide concrete support to our farmers and fisherfolk,” 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 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.

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.

Enhanced rural mobility

Senator Go also visited the municipality of Sigma in Capiz to join the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a newly completed farm-to-market road in Barangay Parian, funded with his support as vice chairperson of the Senate committee on finance.

The project, which will improve rural mobility and economic access, aims to benefit farmers and residents of Sigma and nearby barangays by easing the transport of agricultural goods and reducing the risks and inconveniences of traveling on rugged terrain.

He emphasized that infrastructure development must be responsive to the day-to-day struggles of Filipinos in rural communities.

Alongside the newly completed road project, plans are underway for the construction of a housing project in Sigma intended to provide safe and decent shelters for disadvantaged families, particularly those in remote barangays.

Go reiterated his longstanding push for countryside development and reiterated that he will continue to support local projects that empower communities, particularly in underserved areas.

Health as priority

The senator, who is also an adopted son of Capiz, vowed to bring medical services closer to the people during the inauguration of the Panit-an Super Health Center in Panit-an, Capiz.

Addressing more than 300 attendees, including local officials led by Vice Governor James Mitang Magbanua, Board Member Pepe del Rosario, former Board Member Thea Faith Reyes, Panit-an Mayor Katherine Belo, Pontevedra Mayor Henry Tumlos, Maayon Mayor Mon-Mon Malapajo, barangay health workers, and other health personnel, Senator Go said: “Magkakaroon po ng mahigit 700 Super Health Centers sa Pilipinas, kasama na riyan ang 12 sa Capiz. Isang paraan ito para mailapit po natin ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayan.”