Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally attended the Hugpong Youth Convention at Azuela Cove in Lanang, Davao City, on Friday, February 28, where he engaged with young leaders and advocates. He was joined by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod local candidates, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) senatorial candidates and party Chairman former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In his speech, Go, who is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, underscored the vital role of the youth in shaping the country’s future, emphasizing their potential to drive progress, innovation, and nation-building.
“Sa kasalukuyang panahon, napakahalaga na ang kabataan ay may aktibong papel sa paghubog ng kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Kayo ang bagong henerasyon ng mga lider—mga lider na may malasakit, may puso sa paglilingkod, at may dedikasyon para sa tunay na pagbabago,” Go stated.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go also underscored the importance of engaging the youth in sports and other productive activities to keep them away from the dangers of illegal drugs.
“Mga kabataan, kayo ang pag-asa ng ating bayan. Gusto ko malayo kayo sa ilegal na droga at ayaw ko masayang ang nasimulan ni dating Pangulong Duterte kontra ilegal na droga,” he said.
Senator Go then lauded the attendance of approximately 1,800 youth leaders and volunteers from Davao City saying that they are the hope and the future of the nation.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyong dedikasyon at pagmamalasakit sa ating bansa. Ang kabataan ay hindi lamang pag-asa ng bayan—kayo rin ang magiging susi sa mas maunlad, mas makatao, at mas progresibong Pilipinas,” Senator Go remarked.
The event was also attended by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Senators Robin Padilla and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, PDP senatorial aspirants such as: Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Atty. Raul Lambino, Atty. Rodante Marcoleta, and Philip Salvador; Davao City 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab, Kap. Omar Duterte, Sangguniang Kabataan officials from the whole Davao City, and Hugpong Youth Members, among others.
Senator Go’s dedication to youth and sports development is evident in his legislative efforts. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) through Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS provides secondary education integrated with a sports-focused curriculum, equipping student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically.
Senator Bong Go is also a strong advocate for accessible and affordable education for young Filipinos. Through his support for scholarship programs, many students facing financial struggles have been allowed to continue their studies and work towards their aspirations.
The passage of RA No. 12077, also known as the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, underscores Senator Go’s dedication to upholding the dignity of Filipinos in times of crisis. As a co-sponsor and co-author of the law, he has helped ensure that students with existing loans receive temporary financial relief during emergencies and calamities.
Senator Go earlier co-authored and co-sponsored RA No. 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students; RA 11984, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act”, which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees; RA No. 12006 or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act”, waiving entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as RA No. 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
Go also expressed his full support for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), recognizing their significant contributions to grassroots governance. He encouraged the youth leaders to serve with integrity, stay grounded, and remain dedicated to the welfare of their communities. In line with this, he mentioned his authorship of Senate Bill No. 2816, which seeks to establish a four-year fixed term for barangay and SK officials.
“Kaya sa inyong lahat, hinihikayat ko kayo: maging aktibo, makiisa, at ipaglaban ang inyong kinabukasan! Patuloy nating ipaglaban ang isang gobyernong may malasakit, may aksyon, at tunay na naglilingkod sa bayan,” Go reminded the youth.
“Sipag, malasakit at more serbisyo ang maiaalay ko sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he added.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he continues to advocate for better healthcare access, particularly for indigent and underserved communities.
He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized Malasakit Centers nationwide. These one-stop shops streamline access to medical assistance programs, especially for indigent patients. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers operate across the country, benefiting over 17 million Filipinos, according to data from the Department of Health.
Go also championed the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide to decongest hospitals by offering primary healthcare, consultations, and early detection services at the community level. More than 700 Super Health Centers have been funded through collaborative efforts involving Go as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, the DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers.
Additionally, he is one of the principal authors of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which aims to decentralize specialized healthcare by establishing specialty centers in every DOH-run regional hospital.
So far, Senator Go has authored 16 laws, principally sponsored 82 laws including 80 measures for the establishment or upgrade of public hospitals, and co-authored or co-sponsored 185 other laws.
“Patuloy kong isusulong ang mga batas, proyekto at programang tunay na makatutulong sa inyong buhay at makakapagpaunlad ng inyong komunidad. Ang pokus ko ngayon at kailanman ay ang makatulong sa nangangailangan, makapagserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya, at makapag-iwan ng ngiti lalo na sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” Go said, stressing his commitment to putting Filipinos’ welfare first.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta! Kasama ninyo ako sa laban na ito. Tuloy ang Serbisyo, Tuloy ang Malasakit!” he concluded.
On the same day, Go, as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, also attended the inauguration of Super Health Centers in Agno and Bani in the province of Pangasinan.
