The gathering at the Solea Resort in Cordova, held to strengthen barangay leadership and governance, drew 600 attendees, including councilors, barangay captains, and other barangay officials.
Go extended his gratitude to all barangay leaders, emphasizing their critical role in community development and public service. Although he was unable to attend in person, he conveyed his appreciation and commitment through his team.
He also acknowledged the leadership of Lipa City ABC President Windy Lat; Batangas Panlalawigang Liga ng mga Barangay (PLNB) President Fernando Rocafort; Lipa City Commission on Elections Officer Atty. Erlinda Orense; Cordova Mayor Didoy Suan; Cordova ABC President Hon. Ike Ando Jr.; and Barangay 9 Captain Beth Magsino of Lipa City, among others, for their contributions in making the event possible and for their continuous support to barangay officials.
“Muli akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mga barangay officials sa inyong sipag at sakripisyo sa paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan. Kayo po ang unang nilalapitan ng tao sa panahon ng pangangailangan, kaya’t dapat lang na bigyan kayo ng sapat na suporta upang maipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong serbisyo nang mas epektibo,” Go said in video message. TV& Video
As part of his legislative agenda, Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, likewise reaffirmed his continued push for measures that aim to strengthen local governance and provide greater support to barangay officials and frontline workers.
Among these initiatives is Republic Act No. 11466, which he co-authored and co-sponsored. The law provides salary adjustments for government personnel, including public healthcare workers.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to provide barangay officials benefits similar to those of regular government employees. Under this proposed measure, punong barangays, Sangguniang Barangay members, Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons, barangay secretaries, and treasurers will be eligible for salaries, allowances, 13th-month pay, and additional benefits.
“Ang ating mga barangay officials ang unang sumasagot sa panahon ng sakuna, gulo, at iba pang hamon sa komunidad. Kaya dapat lang na bigyan sila ng sapat na benepisyo at suporta para sa kanilang walang sawang serbisyo,” Go emphasized.
Apart from barangay officials, Senator Go also filed SBN 412, or the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, which seeks to provide qualified BHWs with compensation, benefits, and additional protection.
“Napakahalaga ng papel ng ating mga BHWs sa pagbibigay ng serbisyong medikal sa komunidad, lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar. Kaya’t patuloy nating isusulong ang kanilang kapakanan upang mas maging epektibo ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa ating bansa,” he added.
“Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko na po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” Go ended.