Press Release - Bong Go advocates for awareness on gender issues as he partners with barangay leaders of San Carlos, Pangasinan during their GAD Seminar

As a member of the Senate Committees on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality as well as the Committee on Local Government, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go was invited as Guest Speaker for a Gender and Development (GAD) Seminar held on Tuesday, October 15 in Quezon City.

Attended by 430 barangay officials from San Carlos City, Pangasinan, the Seminar on Gender Awareness and Sensitivity is an introduction to GAD Plan and Budgeting cum lecture on the Philippines' plan of action on development and nutrition.

"Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay nyo po sa akin. Magseserbisyo po ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan lang po ang pwede kong ialay sa inyo, ang aking kasipagan po sa pagtatrabaho, pagseserbisyo," Go said.

"Hindi po ako politiko. Hindi nyo po ako maririnig na nangangako sa inyo na kaya kong gawin ito. Kayo na po ang humusga pagdating ng panahon kung ginagawa ko ang aming trabaho bilang inyong senador ng ating bansa," he added.

A GAD Plan and Budget is an avenue by which programs, projects, and future developmental activities of various groups, including local government units discuss to address different gender issues and other concerns of multiple sectors.

As an adopted son of Pangasinan, Go further emphasized the need to support the barangay officials as their role is critical in providing help to the communities, especially in the far-flung areas.

"Alam nyo dapat ang serbisyo ay may puso. Parehas tayo. Ako, bisyo ko ay magserbisyo...iisa tayo, magkasama tayo sa pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Salamat mga kapitan. Ang dapat nating pasalamatan ngayon (ay) ang ating mga barangay officials na nagsakripisyo lalo na noong panahon ng pandemya," expressed Go.

Senator Go has been instrumental in pushing for legislative measures to enhance their welfare and capabilities, understanding the challenges barangay officials face in their daily governance and public service roles. These initiatives are designed to recognize their invaluable contributions and uplift the lives of barangay employees and volunteers who dedicated themselves to serving their communities.

Among the significant legislative measures being proposed