Mati City Bestows Honorary Son Title on Senator Bong Go, Citing P700M Airport Funding
The City of Mati in Davao Oriental has officially conferred honorary son status on Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, a move that local stakeholders view as a substantive recognition of his contributions to regional development. This decision, formalized through Resolution No. 58, Series of 2025 by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Mati, underscores Go's legislative work and longstanding public service, reinforcing the connection between national leadership and provincial priorities.
Personal and Political Significance of the Honor
For Senator Go, this accolade holds deep personal meaning, rooted in his family lineage from Davao Oriental. Born in Davao City and widely known as a Dabawenyo public servant, he often cites this regional heritage as the foundation of his policy direction and public life. In response to the honor, Go expressed gratitude, stating, "Malaking karangalan po para sa akin na kilalanin bilang adopted son ng Mati. Bahagi po ito ng aking pinanggalingan at inspirasyon ko sa patuloy na pagseserbisyo." He emphasized that such recognition motivates him to focus on tangible outcomes, adding, "Ang mahalaga po sa akin ay ang resulta ng ating trabaho — kung may naitulong ba tayo sa mga komunidad, kung may naipaglaban ba tayong proyekto na may pakinabang sa mga kababayan."
Regional Roots and Legislative Impact
Before his election to the Senate of the Philippines in 2019, Go served over two decades in government, notably as a longtime aide and later Special Assistant to former President Rodrigo Duterte. Analysts describe his political trajectory as regionally anchored rather than capital-centric, shaping his legislative priorities in areas such as healthcare access, youth development, and grassroots sports. Currently, he chairs the Senate committees on Youth and on Sports and serves as vice chair of the health committee, roles that align with his advocacy for community-based social programs.
His influence extends to local governance, with his son, Christian "Chrence" Go, elected as vice mayor of Lupon in the May 2025 elections. In the same electoral cycle, Senator Go secured 266,617 votes in Davao Oriental, ranking among the top-supported senatorial candidates locally. Observers note that this blend of national office and local representation highlights a political network deeply connected to provincial constituencies, strengthening ties between policymaking and grassroots governance.
Mati Airport: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Central to Go's development advocacy in Davao Oriental is the planned upgrade of Mati Airport, which he positions as a strategic investment to enhance tourism, trade, and mobility. The project received a significant boost with the Department of Transportation allocating P700 million under its proposed 2026 budget. During budget deliberations in late 2025, Go urged officials to ensure continuous funding and timely implementation, stating, "Mati Airport will help decongest Davao International Airport, dahil three hours po ang biyahe. Sana po'y tuloy-tuloy na rin po ang construction nitong Mati Airport na dati pa nating ipinaglalaban."
Boosting Tourism and Connectivity
Regional planners and business leaders emphasize that improved air access is crucial for unlocking the province's tourism potential, which includes destinations like Mount Hamiguitan, Dahican Beach, and Pusan Point. Enhanced connectivity is expected to reduce travel time, lower logistics costs, and attract investors to eastern Mindanao. Go highlighted this economic principle, explaining, "Transportation has always been the backbone of our economy. Ito ang nag-uugnay sa mga komunidad at nagbibigay ng access sa trabaho, edukasyon, at iba pang oportunidad."
Revitalizing a Dormant Aviation Hub
The airport initiative builds on the provincial government's 2025 launch of the nearly P1 billion Mati City Airport Development Project on a 58-hectare site in Barangay Dahican. Originally established in 1976 and once known as Imelda Romualdez Airport, the facility never evolved into a commercial hub due to limited demand and infrastructure gaps. Officials now see renewed investment and robust tourism promotion as catalysts to transform it into a regional gateway.
Symbolism and Future Commitments
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental views the honorary adoption as a symbol of both gratitude and expectation, reflecting a partnership between national policymakers and provincial stakeholders aimed at addressing infrastructure and economic needs outside major metropolitan areas. For Go, this distinction represents a steadfast commitment to service. He affirmed, "Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay nyo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo."
