Go to prioritize OFW welfare
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go attended last Sunday the Indigenous Peoples Festival held in Chater Road in Hong Kong.
The event, organized by the Emilio Aguinaldo-DDS Hong Kong Group, was an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and heritage of the Filipino community and acknowledge the role of IPs in shaping the cultural identity of the Philippines.
Being vice chair of the Senate committee on migrant workers, Go was invited to join the event which also became an opportunity for Filipinos who currently work or reside in Hong Kong to get together and showcase their Filipino pride.
Go expressed his gratitude to all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly those he met in Hong Kong.
“The Filipinos working abroad, you are here and our heroes. It saddens me if a Filipino is taken advantage of, so let’s help each other. I’m rallying colleagues in government to help our OFWs who are in need here and that government offices should always welcome them,” Go said.
“Through events like this, we can foster a greater sense of belonging among our overseas Filipino workers, who have worked hard and made sacrifices to uplift the lives of their families and contribute to our national progress,” he added.
During his visit to Hong Kong, Go was able to meet various groups from the Filipino community to listen to their concerns, provide updates on developments in the country and share his insights and priorities as a legislator and public servant. He also provided tokens to some of the Filipinos he met.
The Indigenous Peoples Festival in Hong Kong brought together various indigenous groups, showcasing their vibrant traditions, languages, arts and craftsmanship.
Go emphasized that the event serves as a platform to raise awareness about the significance of preserving and promoting indigenous culture.
“Congratulations to your Indigenous Peoples Festival. This festival is not just an event for celebration. It’s a symbol of unity, a bridge of cultural exchange and a platform for fostering harmony among different communities. The Indigenous Peoples have always played a vital role in our national identity, and their traditions are part of our cultural heritage,” he said.
“We must always strive to protect our Indigenous Peoples. We must preserve and promote their cultural heritage and ensure that it remains an important part of our national identity… Let us remember the values of respect, inclusivity and understanding,” Go said.
“That’s why I encourage everyone to participate fully, embrace the cultures on display and take this opportunity to engage with one another. Let us learn from each other, appreciate our differences and find common ground for peace, stability and equality,” he remarked.
Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of the Senate version of Republic Act 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers.