Senator Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) – Region 3 in their latest assembly, commending the role of vice mayors in fostering good governance and reinforcing public service at the local level.
The event, held at the Diwa ng Tarlac in Tarlac City on Friday, October 25, brought together approximately 100 vice mayors of the region and other key officials, including Governor Susan Yap of Tarlac; VMLP Region 3 President Mike Galang of Floridablanca, Pampanga; Secretary-General Cristopher Gongora of San Marcelino, Zambales; Auditor Norel dela Cruz of Camiling, Tarlac; and Public Relations Officer Angelito Rubia of Mariveles, Bataan, among others present.
In his message, Go highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration among public servants, emphasizing that regardless of position, they share a collective mission of delivering quality services to every Filipino. He encouraged the vice mayors to prioritize their constituents’ needs, focusing on impactful community programs to uplift the lives of poor and vulnerable sectors.
“Ang trabaho natin, kahit iba-iba man ang posisyon, ay pare-pareho ang layunin: ang makapaglingkod sa ating bayan at sa ating mga kababayan. Nasa kamay ninyo ang pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya na makakapagdulot ng tunay na pagbabago sa inyong mga komunidad,” Go remarked.
“Bilang lingkod bayan, tayo ay may responsibilidad na magserbisyo nang may malasakit at dedikasyon. Gawin natin ang lahat ng kabutihan habang tayo’y nandito, at isapuso ang bilin ni Tatay Digong na “do what is right,” he added.
Go discussed legislative initiatives geared toward enhancing the welfare of government employees. Among these is Senate Bill No. 2504, the “Salary Standardization Law VI,” which he filed that aims to further uplift the salaries of civilian personnel in the government, building on the progress made with SSL 5, which Go co-sponsored and authored in 2019.
Go also elaborated on his filed SBN 194, proposing the E-Governance Act, which seeks to streamline and modernize operations and resource-sharing between national and local governments and among agencies through digital integration.
He also filed the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, or SBN 197, which aims to enhance the barangay unit’s welfare and capabilities being at the frontlines of government. Furthermore, he shared about SBN 427, which proposes incentives and job security for barangay health workers, underscoring his support for grassroots healthcare.
“Kailangan natin ng mga polisiya na sumusuporta sa ating mga barangay workers at health workers, dahil sila ang unang takbuhan ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa pangunahing pangangailangan,” Go said.
As he concluded his message, Go praised the unity demonstrated by local government leaders and encouraged them to continue their collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges and improving the quality of life for all Filipinos.
“Ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ang susi para masiguro na ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan ay napapakinabangan ng lahat ng Pilipino. Makakaasa kayo sa aking buong suporta sa mga inisyatibong nakatuon sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa,” he said.
During the gathering, Go’s malasakit team provided tokens and various forms of support to the local officials present.
“Sa lahat ng ito, tandaan nating ang malasakit at serbisyo sa kapwa ang ating gabay. Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he ended.
