Press Release - Bong Go continues push for Mindanao development through collaborative efforts towards unity and progress

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go personally attended the 17th Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Board of Directors Meeting at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City, on Friday, February 16. As an ex-officio member of the board representing the Senate, Go highlighted his support for collaborative efforts in pursuing Mindanao's continued progress and inclusive development.

Go cited that initiatives and support from the government and various stakeholders, ranging from infrastructure development to socio-economic programs, have driven positive changes across communities in Mindanao and have equipped residents with the necessary tools to withstand adversities and thrive in the face of challenges.

"Kapag sama-sama, wala pong imposible. Not only in peace and order, not only sa development, including din ang sports. As your Chairman ng Senate Committee on Sports, napansin ko po na kapag nagtulungan ang gobyerno at ang pribadong sector, marami pong potential athletes natin na talagang nag-e-excel at nasusuportahan," Go added.

Go also emphasized the critical need to uphold anti-discrimination measures within the Mindanao region, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all Filipinos to achieve inclusive development.

"Noong panahon ni (dating) pangulong Duterte, kahit na taga-Davao siya, taga-Mindanao siya, lagi niyang pinagbibilin. Sabi niya, 'gusto ko pantay-pantay ang lahat.' From CAR, region 1, region 2, down sa CARAGA region, sabi niya, 'Gusto ko lahat ng proyekto (ay) pantay-pantay at walang maiwan', dahil para sa kanya tayong lahat ay Pilipino," Go shared.

"Kami naman, (bilang) maraming senador din ang taga-Mindanao, (sisiguraduhin) namin na hindi kayo mahuhuli. Ngayon, ako po bilang isang senador, sisiguraduhin ko po na walang kababayan na maiiwan. Tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya," he committed.

For his part as the vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Go played a key role in advocating for an increase in funding for the Strengthening Indigenous People in Mindanao (STIP-Mindanao) Program within the MinDA budget. Through Go's initiatives, the program was enhanced with an additional PhP10 million to enrich the cultural heritage of