Senator Christopher "Bong" Go attended a Christmas celebration organized for barangay health workers (BHW) of Lupon town and some barangay officials in Davao Oriental on Saturday, 23 December.
The event, held at Barangay Poblacion Gymnasium in Lupon, was to show gratitude and appreciation for the grassroots officials who have been pivotal in community service throughout the year. A total of 483 barangay health workers and 97 barangay captains attended. Go was joined by his son, Christian Lawrence, as well as local officials during his visit.
Go emphasized the crucial role of barangay officials, acknowledging their efforts in serving their communities. "No matter the title, every public servant at the barangay level plays a vital role in our nation's progress. Your dedication to service is the foundation of our communities," he said.
Recognizing the challenges faced at the grassroots level, the senator also took this opportunity to reiterate his support for barangay officials and workers.
"Hindi ko sasayangin ang pagakakataon na ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magse-serbisyo ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi ako politiko na mangangako, magtatrabaho lang ako para sa Pilipino. At alam nyo naman ako kung paano ako magtrabaho, wala akong pinipiling oras, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya," said Go.
"Ayaw kong masayang ang oras, dahil ang aking bisyo ay magserbisyo sa mamamayan," he added.
Moreover, he highlighted key points of his legislative agenda to bolster support for barangay officials, including Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangay.
The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to ensure sufficient support for barangays, enabling them to carry out their duties efficiently. Under this bill, barangay officials – which include the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer – would be given benefits like regular government employees. If passed into law, they would be entitled to receive salaries, benefits, and allowances, along with other advantages.
Furthermore, SBN 427, also known as the BHW Compensation Act, was introduced by Go to grant BHWs a monthly honorarium if passed into law. This proposed bill aims to offer BHWs a comprehensive benefits package that includes allowances, job security, annual training for skill enhancement, and eligibility for civil service.
The bill proposes that BHWs receive benefits from the Government Service Insurance System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Pag-IBIG Fund. These measures are in line with the objectives of Republic Act No. 7883, which is designed to provide benefits and incentives to BHWs.
"I also filed Senate Bill 2399 to give due recognition to the contribution of all barangay health and nutrition workers in the delivery of our primary healthcare services in the country," he said. SBN 2399 is aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day.
Go likewise filed SBN 2504 or the Salary Standardization Law VI to raise the salary scale of civilian government employees in the country. The said bill aims to revise and enhance the existing stipulations of RA 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 5. Go was instrumental in the enactment of SSL 5 in 2019, serving as both an author and co-sponsor in the Senate.
"Magkakaiba man tayo ng posisyon pero pare-parehas tayong mga lingkod-bayan. Kaya alam ko na pare-parehas lang din tayo ng hangarin na mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang ating mga kababayan," he said.
"Kung may maitutulong po ako sa inyong lungsod, bayan o barangay, lapitan niyo lang ang aking opisina at tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya," the senator continued.
Go reiterated his message of compassion and service, especially during the holiday season. "Let's continue working together, hand in hand, for the betterment of every Filipino. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat," he said, extending his holiday greetings to all attendees.
"Pareho po tayo ng trabaho, para sa akin kayo po ay superstar in your own rights at pinili po kayo ng tao. Pangalagaan po natin yung tiwala po na ibinigay po sa inyo ng ating mga kababayan. Malay nyo po pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang maging senador ng bansang ito. Isa lang po ang sikreto dyan at natutunan ko po kay dating pangulong Duterte – mahalin po natin ang kapwa natin Pilipino, hinding-hindi po tayo magkakamali diyan," the senator concluded.