Go seeks to ensure country’s food security

PANDI, Bulacan (As released) — Senatorial aspirant and former special assistant to the president Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Friday said he wants to help ensure the country’s food security through improved agricultural productivity and better food distribution channels.

"Sapat at murang pagkain sa bawat hapag ng pamilyang Pilipino ang nais kong ibigay sa inyo," Go said at the campaign rally of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan(PDP–Laban) at the gymnasium of Manatal here.

Go, who has identified agriculture and food security among the top priorities under his legislative agenda, said such a goal could be achieved by helping farmers increase their productivity.

He said farmers should have easy access to farm inputs, such as machinery, fertilizers, seeds, irrigation and low-interest credit.

Likewise, he proposed the establishment of more TienDA Malasakit Stores in various areas of the country.  

"Magpatayo tayo ng TienDA Malasakit Stores sa mga pangunahing lungsod at bayan sa bansa upang direktang makabili ang mga mamamayan ng sariwa at murang produktong pagkain mula sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda," Go said.

As part of his legislative agenda for agriculture, Go has also proposed the provision of storage facilities in food terminals to be established in key regions in the country, equipped with appropriate cold storage facilities to help keep the harvest fresh and prevent spoilage.

In addition, Go is proposing the conduct of free skills training and seminar on agri-entrepreneurship to open new livelihood opportunities for farmers that could augment their income and tide them over during lean times.

"Napaka-importante ang agrikultura sa ating ekonomiya at sa kabuhayan ng pamilyang Pilipino. Huwag po natin sayangin ang ating natural na yaman. Magtulungan po tayo na maiangat ang kanilang kabuhayan," he added.

The former SAP expressed his gratitude to the people Bulacan for their display of support.

He noted that many residents came out on the streets to welcome him and express their support during his motorcade in various towns and cities of the province, including Bocaue, Pulilan, Plaridel, Malolos City and the town of Pandi.

"Maraming salamat sa mga kapatid ko dito sa Bulacan, sobrang init ng pagtanggap ninyo kanina pa lang (sa umpisa ng motorcade)," Go said.

Go assured the people of Bulacan of his firm support for President Rodrigo Duterte as well as his programs and policies.

"Ipagpapatuloy ko po ang mga pagbabagong nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte. Yung kampanya laban sa kriminalidad, kampanya laban sa corruption, at kampanya laban sa iligal na droga, suportado ko po iyon," Go said.

The former SAP also said he is solidly behind the effort of President Duterte to improve the lives of Filipinos through the "Build, Build, Build" program that would stimulate economic activities and open job opportunities to our people.

"Maswerte po lalo na mga taga-Bulacan dahil makikinabang kayo sa napakaraming mga proyekto ng gobyerno," Go said.

Among others, he cited the PNR North (Manila-Clark) project, connecting Tutuban in Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, Clark International Airport, and Clark Green City in Pampanga, as well as the privately-funded Bulacan Airport project, set to begin this year.  

He likewise pointed to the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) that will traverse Quezon City, Caloocan City and up to San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, which is expected to be completed by 2021.

Go also noted the Arterial Road Bypass project Phase II, linking NLEX in Balagtas, Bulacan, with the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway in San Rafael town, meant to ease traffic congestion in the area, as well as the construction of farm-to-market roads in various towns of the province.

The former SAP also stressed that he is pushing for improved delivery of health care not only through upgrading the equipment and facilities of government-run hospitals but also through the establishment of Malasakit Center.

"Naisip po namin ni Pangulong Duterte na magtayo ng mga Malasakit Center para umiksi at dumali ang proseso ng paghingi ng tulong medikal at pinansyal mula sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno," Go said.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop-shop bringing together in one room concerned agencies such as the DOH, DSWD PCSO and Philhealth. Bulacan has its own Malasakit Center in Malolos city.

"Gusto ko pong maisabatas ito pagdating ng panahon para tuloy-tuloy ang programa kahit hindi na pangulo si Pangulong Duterte at madagdagan pa natin ang mga Malasakit Center sa iba pang mga probinsya at lungsod para mas maraming makinabang," Go said.

Other important components of Go’s legislative agenda include programs for education, housing for the poor, long-term sports development, localized peace talks, fire protection and prevention, Magna Carta for barangay officials, creation of a Department of OFW and improved support for senior citizens. — Bong Go campaign