The event gathered around 250 attendees from REACT chapters nationwide. REACT Philippines, Inc. is a nationwide civic organization composed of volunteers who respond during emergencies, calamities, and disasters, particularly by helping strengthen communication and coordination in affected communities.
"Sa totoo lang po, ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n'yo po ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon na muling makapagserbisyo po sa inyo, at ginawa n'yo pa akong number one sa buong politika. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo," Go said.
He acknowledged the current political climate but vowed to focus on work and public service.
"Alam n'yo, ang gulo ng politika ngayon. Ito 'yung panahon na parang hirap pong maging politiko. Not the best time to be a politician, pero ako naman, hindi ko sasayangin 'yung tiwalang binigay n'yo sa akin. Magseserbisyo po ako sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya. Hindi po ako politiko na makakalimot. Gagawin ko lang po ang aking trabaho," he said.
Go also greeted and acknowledged REACT national officers, including National President Juza Dapdap, National Executive Vice President Robert Eudela, National Senior Vice President for Administration Gregorio Pacifico, Acting National Secretary Belen Manceras, National Treasurer Enedina Cacabelos, National Auditor Fernando Taca Jr., Vice President for Luzon Arvin Manguiat, Vice President for Visayas Darrold Jess Condiño, Vice President for Mindanao Eugene Firaza, National Advocate Arnold Magpusao, National Public Information Officer Jocelyn San Antonio, and Immediate Past National President Henry Bicoy.
"To the officers, members, delegates, guests, and participants of the 37th National Convention of the Regional Emergency Assistance Communication Team, salamat sa inyong continued commitment to emergency response, community assistance, and public service. Sa panahon ng kalamidad, aksidente, at iba pang emergency situations, malaki po ang naitutulong ninyo sa ating mga kababayan," he said.
Go stressed that volunteer work requires discipline, courage, compassion, and sacrifice, especially during disasters and emergencies.
"Hindi biro ang pagiging isang volunteer. It requires time, sacrifice, discipline, courage, and compassion. Kaya saludo po ako sa inyong lahat sa patuloy ninyong pagbibigay ng oras at lahat upang tumulong sa kapwa nang walang inaantay na kapalit," the senator said.
He added that public service should come from sincerity and a genuine willingness to help.
"Alam n'yo, itong serbisyo, d'yan ko natutunan noon kay Pangulong Duterte. Twenty-five years akong nagtrabaho sa kanya. Dapat mahal mo ang iyong pagseserbisyo, at kusang-loob ang iyong pagseserbisyo," Go said.
Go underscored the importance of stronger disaster preparedness and proper evacuation facilities. The senator is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and disaster-resilient evacuation centers nationwide. Under the law, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) determines priority areas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undertakes construction, and local government units (LGUs) operate the facilities.
"Dapat meron tayong maayos, malinis, at dedicated na evacuation center. Batas na po ito. Ako ang principal author," he said.
He also called for public funds to be directed toward projects that directly benefit communities.
"Sana ito po ang bigyan nila ng priority, huwag 'yung flood control na ginagawang gatas ng ilang mga politiko. Ginagawang gatas ng mga buwaya. Labanan natin ang corruption sa gobyerno. Mas sana gamitin nila sa mga evacuation center na mapapakinabangan ng ating mga kababayan," Go said.
Apart from RA 12076, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act; SBN 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy bill for informal settlers and disaster victims; and SBN 669, or the proposed Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel bill. He also principally authored and co-sponsored RA 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act, which seeks to strengthen the BFP through modern equipment, additional personnel, and specialized training.
"Noong 2021, isinulong ko rin po 'yung BFP Modernization Act. Ako po ang principal author and co-sponsor sa Senado. Sa ilalim ng batas nito, pinapalakas ang kapasidad ng BFP, karagdagang kagamitan, karagdagang firefighters, at education campaign para turuan ang ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat dahil bawat bahay na nasusunog, damay ang kapitbahay," he said.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go also encouraged young Filipinos to engage in sports, volunteerism, and community service.
"I also hope that this convention will continue to inspire more Filipinos, especially the youth, to participate in volunteerism, community service, and humanitarian efforts. Ulitin ko lang po sa mga kabataan natin, appeal mo ang pag-volunteer, community service. It's a humanitarian effort. Malaking bagay po ang bawat maliit na tulong na nagagawa natin para sa ating kapwa," Go said.
Go ended his message by encouraging REACT members to continue serving communities and to make the most of their time in Davao.
"Sa lahat po ng mga REACT members, enjoy Davao. Suroy mo. Guapo na rin ang dagat. Suroy lang mo. Guapo ang Davao," he said.
(Sa lahat po ng mga REACT members, enjoy Davao. Mamasyal kayo. Maganda rin ang dagat. Mamasyal lang kayo. Maganda ang Davao.)
"Muli, maraming salamat po sa itong imbitasyon. Nawa'y maging mabunga, makabuluhan, at matagumpay ang konvensyon na ito para sa bawat isa. Mabuhay po ang REACT Philippines, Incorporated. Congratulations sa ating mga officers, sa mga members. Ingat kayo sa itong pagbiyahe," he said.
He closed by repeating his long-held reminder on service and compassion.
"Mga kababayan ko, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito," Go said.
"Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go. Patuloy po ako sa serbisyo sa inyong lahat. At ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo ko sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos," he concluded.
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