Senator Bong Go emphasizes need for food security and job creation amid high self-rated poverty levels

The recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 63% of Filipino families considered themselves poor in December 2024, marking the highest self-rated poverty rate in 21 years. Amid this alarming statistic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call to prioritize food security and sustainable livelihood programs as key solutions to uplift Filipino families from poverty.

“Ang mahalaga, may pagkain sa bawat hapag-kainan ng pamilyang Pilipino at may trabaho ang bawat miyembro ng pamilya,” Senator Go stressed during a recent interview.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Go underscored the need to strengthen agricultural support systems to address food poverty, which also saw a significant increase, with 51% of families identifying as food poor. He cited the importance of empowering farmers and fisherfolk to ensure food security for all Filipinos.

“Kailangan nating tulungan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Sila ang bumubuhay sa atin, kaya dapat natin silang suportahan para mas maging produktibo at mapanatili ang abot-kayang pagkain para sa lahat,” he added.

Among his legislative initiatives is Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2117, which seeks to provide comprehensive crop insurance for agrarian reform beneficiaries. Additionally, Senator Go authored SBN 2118 to enhance agricultural insurance coverage and address vulnerabilities in the agricultural sector caused by natural disasters, if enacted into law.

Recognizing the need for sustainable livelihood, Senator Go highlighted his proposed Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), filed under SBN 420. This initiative aims to provide temporary employment opportunities for displaced and seasonal workers in rural areas, if enacted.

“Hindi sapat ang mga pansamantalang ayuda. Kailangang bigyan ng pagkakakitaan ang mga kababayan natin para may dignidad sa bawat pisong kanilang kinikita,” he said.

To further support Filipino workers, Senator Go is pushing for the passage of SBN 2534, which he co-authored and co-sponsored, that proposes a nationwide PHP 100 daily minimum wage hike, and SBN 2504, which he filed, or the Salary Standardization Law 6, to improve compensation for government employees, if enacted.

On food security, the senator remains steadfast in his advocacy for the establishment of Farm-to-Table Farmers’ Markets, which aim to connect agricultural producers directly with consumers, thereby eliminating middlemen and reducing food prices. He also supports the integration of Barangay Agriculture into the school curriculum to inspire the younger generation to engage in farming.

“Dapat maging inspirasyon ang ating kabataan sa pagpapanatili ng ating agrikultura. Kaya’t kailangan silang turuan ng tamang kaalaman at teknolohiya mula sa murang edad,” he explained.

Senator Go’s long-term vision also includes the establishment of a national Farmers’ and Fishers’ Pension Fund, which could provide financial security to aging agricultural workers. He is pushing for scholarships for the children of farmers and fishermen, offering incentives to ensure the next generation remains engaged in agricultural work.

“Kung walang magmamana sa trabaho ng ating mga magsasaka, sino na ang magtatanim para sa atin? Kaya’t kailangang hikayatin ang kanilang mga anak na manatili sa sektor ng agrikultura,” he said.

Go, who serves as a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has consistently supported policies aimed at addressing food security and enhancing agricultural resilience. He is among the authors of Republic Act No. 11901, which seeks to improve access to credit for farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers in rural communities. This law aims to boost agricultural productivity and enhance the well-being of workers in the sector.

In addition, Go co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which forgives loans incurred by agrarian reform beneficiaries.

In support of local businesses, Senator Go co-sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate of Republic Act No. 11960, known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. The OTOP program promotes national pride in Filipino-made products while providing small-scale producers opportunities to expand their market reach. By focusing on local specialties, the program aims to elevate the livelihoods of communities and contribute to the nation’s overall economic progress.

“Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” he explained.

Amid the rising self-rated poverty levels, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize food security and job creation.

“Ang pangarap ko para sa bawat Pilipino ay simple lang: maayos na pagkain sa mesa, disenteng trabaho, at maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa ating mga anak. Magtulungan tayo para maisakatuparan ito,” he concluded.

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