SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go showed his solidarity with Ilonggos during his visit to Iloilo City on Sunday (Ja. 26), for the Dinagyang Festival. Go attended the gatherings held at the Freedom Grandstand as well as in the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
He witnessed the vibrant Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition, the centerpiece of Iloilo’s annual celebration in honor of Señor Santo Niño, which featured eight participating tribes showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Ilonggos through dance, music, and colorful attire. In a show of support, Senator Go and his Malasakit Team distributed shirts, basketballs, and other tokens to the eight contingents of the Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition.
Senator Go commended and expressed his gratitude to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Congresswoman Jam Baronda, the city council; as well as the provincial government led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Vice Governor Christine Garin, and other local officials for their hospitality, successful organizing of the festival, and continued efforts for the development of Iloilo.
During his visit, Go emphasized the Dinagyang Festival’s significance as more than just a cultural event but a testament to the deep faith and unity of the Ilonggos.
“Bilang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, napakalaking karangalan po ang makasama kayo sa okasyong ito na tunay na ipinagmamalaki hindi lamang ng Iloilo, kundi ng buong Pilipinas,” he remarked, highlighting the festival as a symbol of the Ilonggo people’s “buhi nga pagtuo” (living faith).
Senator Go has consistently championed initiatives that uphold the welfare of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and promote the preservation of Filipino values, culture and traditions.
As an example, Go is a co-sponsor of the Equal Access to Public Cemeteries Bill (Senate Bill No. 1273) to provide culturally appropriate burial grounds in public cemeteries for Muslim Filipinos and IPs if enacted into law. Additionally, the Delayed Registration of Birth Act of 2025 (Senate Bill No. 2917), filed by Go, seeks to address the issue of 3.7 million unregistered Filipinos, including many IPs, by streamlining procedures and waiving fees for indigent applicants.
Go also underscored the importance of protecting IPs’ rights through Executive Order No. 139, issued in 2021 under former President Rodrigo Duterte, which provides death and burial benefits to Barangay Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives.
Meanwhile, Senator Go also reiterated his dedication to improving healthcare access for Filipinos, particularly through his health reforms initiatives. He spotlighted the ongoing construction of Super Health Centers, which aim to deliver primary healthcare services, consultations, and early diagnosis of illnesses to communities.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 600 Super Health Centers nationwide with 100 more funded this year. Go disclosed that 27 Super Health Centers are funded for Iloilo province alone.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also emphasized the role of Malasakit Centers, established through Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored. These centers streamline access to government assistance programs, helping millions of Filipinos with their healthcare needs.
“Sa Iloilo, meron po tayong mga Malasakit Centers sa Western Visayas Medical Center, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital sa Barotac Nuevo, at Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital sa Sta. Barbara,” he shared, adding that over 15 million Filipinos have benefited from these centers since 2018 according to DOH data.
“Maraming salamat, Iloilo! Patuloy kayong maging inspirasyon sa buong bansa sa pamamagitan ng inyong malasakit, pananampalataya, at pagmamahal sa kapwa. Mabuhay ang Dinagyang Festival! Hala Bira, Dagyang ‘Ta!”
Aside from joining the Dinagyang festivities, Go also visited the Malasakit Center at Western Visayas Medical Center where he provided food and other forms of aid for patients and watchers, as well as food packs to healthcare workers.
