Press Release - Bong Go stresses need for stronger initiatives to address poverty: "Walang pulitika dapat ang pagtulong sa mga mahihirap"

In an ambush interview on Saturday, July 20, after aiding cooperatives in Iloilo City, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the critical importance of further support for the country's impoverished populations.

"Walang pulitika dapat ang pagtulong sa mga mahihirap," Go asserted, highlighting the essential nature of equitable aid distribution.

"Totoo naman po 'yun, kaya nga po dapat pagbutihin natin ang mga programa at serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Lalo na po, 'yung pinakamahirap. Unahin po dapat ang pinakamahirap natin sa kababayan," he added.

The senator's call for action comes against a backdrop of concerning statistics from the National Nutrition Council (NNC), which reports that one in three Filipino households experiences food insecurity, leading directly to malnutrition and its consequences.

According to NNC Assistant Secretary Azucena Dayanghirang, malnutrition is not only a health issue but a developmental one, contributing to reduced intelligence quotients and stunted growth among Filipino children.

"Importante po talaga ang food security. Dapat po'y walang magutom. Kung may pera po ang gobyerno, dapat gamitin po ito sa tama. Ibalik po sa Pilipino," he remarked.

Emphasizing the agricultural backbone of the country, he noted, "Wala tayong kakainin dito kung wala yung ating mga farmers. Dapat po'y suportado sila at busog sila."

Go called on the Department of Agriculture and other agencies like the DSWD and DOLE to fully exert efforts in delivering tangible aid to those in dire need.

Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has continuously advocated for strengthening agricultural support systems, acknowledging the contribution of farmers in maintaining food security.

Go was one of the authors of Republic Act 11901, or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which enhanced the financial structure supporting agriculture, fisheries, and rural development. This law is designed to offer improved access to credit for rural communities, particularly benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers. The goal is to elevate their well-being, competitiveness, and productivity.

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