PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his congratulations and best wishes to the people of Batangas on the 440th anniversary of the founding of the province during the Dangal ng Batangan Awards ceremony held on Wednesday, December 8 to mark the event.
A Batangueño and an adopted son of the CALABARZON region, the lawmaker was chosen as the recipient of the Dangal ng Batangan sa Pagmamalasakit sa Bayan. The award was given in recognition of his commitment to advocating for the interests and long-term development needs of the province in his capacity as a legislator.
“Alam niyo, hindi ako lumaki ng Batangas pero ang lolo at lola ko ay nanggaling diyan. They migrated to Davao (City) kung saan sila nakipagsapalaran kaya nagkaroon na ng isang malaking pamilya ng mga Tesoro doon,” Go said in a speech delivered online.
“Kapag pinaghalo ang Bisaya at Batangueño, ang resulta niyan ay ‘tapang at malasakit’. (Kaya naman) bagama’t hindi ako lumaki nga diyan, ako po ay very proud na Batangueño,” he continued.
Go expressed his gratitude to the provincial government for celebrating the momentous occasion by honoring his colleagues and fellow Batangueños who have contributed to the political, economic and cultural development of the province.
He commended the Batangas Culture and Arts Council for protecting and preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the province, as well as providing a lifeline and supportive environment for its local artists. Moreover, he thanked the Batangas Tourism Council for its efforts to promote local popular tourist destinations.
“Narinig ko kanina ang lahat ng ginawa ni Governor (Hermilando) Mandanas at ng mga opisyales ng probinsya, nakaka-proud. Ako naman ay patuloy na susuporta sa inyo. Kung ano ang puwede kong maitulong sa pag-unlad ng Batangas ay naririto lang ako along with my colleague na si Senator Ralph Recto,” pledged the senator.
In light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Go also vowed to continue his humanitarian efforts for distressed and disadvantaged communities. Since the onset of the crisis, his team has provided much-needed aid and support to thousands of residents in Alitagtag, Balayan, Batangas City, Calaca, Laurel, Lipa City, Lobo, Nasugbu, San Jose, San Nicolas, and Santa Teresita.
Go was also personally on-site in Laurel last July 13 to lead the distribution of aid to hundreds of residents who were affected by the Taal volcanic unrest. He previously visited the province in 2020 to provide assistance to residents who were likewise affected by the volcano.
“Ituring niyo ako na Kuya Bong Go, inyong kapwa Batangueño na handang magserbisyo sa inyo twenty-four-seven. Sa abot ng aking makakaya, tutulong ako lalung-lalo na sa mga mahihirap,” affirmed Go.
“At whether it be in the form of legislation that we do in the Senate along with Senator Ralph or through the aid that we deliver to the farthest corners of our country, I will always be there for my fellow Batangueños and my fellow countrymen,” he promised.
Since winning a seat in the Senate, the senator has supported the establishment of another Malasakit Center in the province after the Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery opened its own in 2019. The Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City is the 114th hospital to launch a Malasakit Center, which officially opened its doors last May 27.
