Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, emphasized the critical role of young leaders in nation-building as he delivered the keynote speech at “PANGANDOY: The National Youth Convention 2024” held at the Forest Crest Nature Hotel in Nasugbu, Batangas on Monday, December 2.
The convention, held from December 1 to 4, 2024, brought together over 500 youth leaders, including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, Local Youth Development Councils (LYDC) members, and Local Youth Development Officers (LYDOs).
Before arriving at the event, Go faced an unexpected challenge when the helicopter he was riding made an emergency landing in Pililla, Rizal, due to worsening weather conditions. He was scheduled to attend the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Mabitac, Laguna earlier that day.
Despite being temporarily stranded in a remote mountainous area, Go reaffirmed his dedication to public service, stating, “Mamamatay ako habang nagseserbisyo kung kinakailangan, dahil ito ang tungkulin ko bilang lingkod-bayan.”
“Pangatlong pagkakataon na ito na muntik na akong madisgrasya dahil sa pagtupad ko sa aking tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. God is good all the time. Basta maganda ang layunin mo, hindi ka Niya pababayaan. May good karma talaga ang pagtulong sa tao,” he added.
Thankful to have been able to make it to the youth gathering organized by the National Youth Commission, Go reiterated the importance of youth empowerment and stressed the need for collective action in molding them into productive citizens towards reaching their goals and aspirations.
“Bilang Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Youth, naniniwala ako na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, hindi lamang sa hinaharap kundi pati na rin sa kasalukuyan,” he stated. He encouraged youth leaders to use the convention as an opportunity to enhance their programs and initiatives.
“Hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa sa inyo na patuloy na pagyamanin ang inyong mga programa sa lokal na antas. Gamitin ninyo ang mga natutunan ninyo dito upang mapalawak ang inyong kaalaman at mas mapaunlad pa ang inyong mga proyekto para sa kabataan. Kayo ang future leaders ng bansang ito,” Go added.
The event served as a platform to align local youth initiatives with the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023–2028 and reinforce the vital roles of young leaders in fostering community development.
As a steadfast advocate for youth and sports development, Go highlighted his legislative contributions aimed at promoting the welfare of young Filipinos.
“Ako po ang principal sponsor at author ng SB 2514 o Philippine National Games,” he shared. The measure aims to promote grassroots sports and discourage youth from engaging in vices such as illegal drugs. He also mentioned being the author and co-sponsor of Republic Act 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports.
“Lagi kong sinasabi na get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go remarked, emphasizing the dual benefits of sports in fostering health and instilling discipline among the youth.
Go has strongly advocated for enhanced programs for the National Youth Commission (NYC) as he supported the funding for this year’s youth conventions.
He also supported the proposed 2025 budget of NYC, highlighting its critical role in fostering youth development through various programs and initiatives. Go emphasized the necessity of adequate budget allocation to support the commission’s efforts in preparing the youth for future challenges.
The “PANGANDOY: The National Youth Convention 2024” underscored its primary goal: empowering youth leaders to align their initiatives with the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2023–2028. Through workshops and collaborative discussions, the convention aimed to enhance local programs that reflect the aspirations of Filipino youth.
Go commended the participants for their dedication to their communities. “Ang inyong presensiya ay patunay ng inyong pangako na pagbutihin ang inyong mga serbisyo at maging katuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagtataguyod ng kaunlaran para sa kabataan,” he said.
He encouraged attendees to remain proactive in their efforts, reminding them that their success depends on shared goals and collective action. “Tandaan natin na ang tagumpay ng ating mga inisyatibo ay nakasalalay sa ating pagtutulungan at malasakit sa isa’t isa,” he emphasized.
Go extended his gratitude to the officials who played significant roles in organizing and supporting the event. He thanked local officials Governor Dodo Mandanas and Vice Governor Mark Leviste for their unwavering support for youth development in Batangas. He also acknowledged National Youth Commission (NYC) officials, including Usec. Jeff Ortega, chairperson and CEO of the NYC; commissioners Karl Josef Legazpi, Michelle Mae Gonzales, Atty. Reena Vivienne Pineda, Bianca Patrice Go, and Carol Julianne Dalipe; and Leah Villalon, executive director.
The senator also lauded the 500 youth leaders, SK officials, LYDC members, and LYDOs in attendance, describing their presence as “a testament to their commitment to shaping a brighter future.”
Adding a festive element to the event, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed a variety of items and tokens to participants.
Reaffirming his commitment to programs that uplift the Filipino youth, Go said, “Nais ko ring ipabatid sa inyo na bilang inyong lingkod, patuloy kong isusulong ang mga panukalang batas at programang nakatuon sa kapakanan ng kabataan.”
Concluding his keynote address, Go emphasized the power of persistence and collaboration. “Ang bawat pangarap ay kayang matupad kung ito’y pagsisikapan,” he reminded attendees, encouraging them to channel their learnings into actionable change within their communities.
Despite the challenges of an emergency landing en route to the event, Go’s commitment to youth empowerment remained steadfast. His words, actions, and unwavering dedication resonated with participants, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose among the nation’s young leaders.
As he declared, “Magkaisa tayo sa layunin ng pagbibigay ng mas maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa ating bansa.”
After the event, Go attended League of the Municipalities Bohol Chapter Year-End Assessment in Parañaque City.
