SEN. Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the critical role of the barangay (village) in the nation's development, underscoring his legislative priorities and efforts to enhance local governance and public service delivery at the grassroots.

"First of all, I love the barangay officials — barangay captain, barangay kagawad. I used to deal with the barangay officials when former president [Rodrigo] Duterte was still the Mayor of Davao City," said Go in his address at the Liga ng mga Barangay-Tarlac City Congress at the Rock Beach Hotel in Subic, Zambales, on Thursday, March 14.

The event was attended by 836 barangay officials from Tarlac City.

During the event, Go proudly mentioned his initiative in filing the Magna Carta for barangay officials and health workers to recognize and elevate the status of these local heroes at the forefront of community service.

Senate Bill (SB) 197, which, if enacted into law, would provide a magna carta for barangay, which means barangay officials will be treated similarly to regular government employees. They will be entitled to salaries, emoluments and allowances such as hazard pay, representation, transportation allowance, 13th-month pay, and other benefits that regular government employees enjoy.

He also filed SB 427, which will ensure allowances and incentives, as well as benefits, privileges and security of tenure, if enacted.

Meanwhile, Go highlighted his deep connections with local officials during the event, and his appreciation for their tireless work as he acknowledged the barangay's foundational role in society.

He specifically acknowledged Rep. Jay Khonghun, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane, Board Member Dennis Go, Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles, Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun, councilors, Liga officers and board of directors, barangay officials and partner agencies, among others present.

Meanwhile, Go and his Malasakit Team also distributed eco bags, balls, shirts and snacks during the event where select recipients also received shoes, mobile phone, bicycle and a watch.

As chairman of the Committee on Health and Demography, Go cited his three priority health initiatives to improve public health service delivery in communities: Malasakit Centers, super health centers and regional specialty centers.

Go explained the inspiration behind the establishment of Malasakit Centers, attributing the idea to his experiences with barangay officials, specifically barangay captains and councilors, who would line up at city hall to seek assistance for their sick constituents.

The senator said this underscores how grassroots interactions and observations can lead to significant national initiatives to enhance public service and community welfare.

Republic Act 11463, or the "Malasakit Centers Act of 2019," which Go principally authored and sponsored, institutionalized the one-stop Malasakit Centers program to support impoverished patients.

Currently, 161 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide to assist patients in their medical expenses. DoH said it has helped more than 10 million Filipinos.

Meanwhile, super health centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation and early detection, further strengthening the country's health care sector, especially in grassroots communities.