ADOPTED SON OF PANGASINAN, BONG GO VISITS URBIZTONDO TO BOOST SUPPORT FOR DISPLACED AND DISADVANTAGED WORKERS

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, adopted son of Pangasinan, personally provided support to displaced workers in Urbiztondo on Saturday, April 27. In his speech, Go highlighted efforts in revitalizing the livelihood sector and promoting economic opportunities in the countryside towards inclusive recovery post-pandemic.

Held at the Urbiztondo Integrated School, Go and his Malasakit Team provided meals, grocery packs, vitamins, masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 500 displaced workers. The senator also gave bicycles, watches, shoes, and a mobile phone to select recipients.

In collaboration with the local government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the senator’s initiative, beneficiaries also participated in an orientation for those eligible for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program.

“Nais kong magpasalamat sa DOLE para sa kanilang TUPAD program. Ito ay malaking tulong para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa panahon ng mga pagsubok na ating kinakaharap,” Go expressed.

The TUPAD program gives opportunities to individuals facing economic hardships. It is a community-based assistance package designed to provide emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal laborers.

“Ang TUPAD program ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa ating mga kababayan na mabigyan ng pansamantalang trabaho na makakatulong din sa komunidad. Ito ay isang halimbawa ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ng gobyerno at ng ating mga mamamayan para malampasan ang mga pagsubok na kinakaharap natin,” he cited.

In his continuing effort to bolster support for the impoverished, Senator Go filed Senate Bill No. 420, aimed at creating immediate job opportunities for low-income families in rural areas affected by crises or economic challenges. The bill seeks to institutionalize the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) under DOLE. Through initiatives like these, Senator Go continues to advocate for measures that can promote inclusive recovery and a more sustainable future for Filipinos in the grassroots.

During his visit, Go expressed gratitude towards the local government of Urbiztondo, including Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” Velicaria Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Lambino, Board Member Apolonia “Apple” Bacay, Mayor Modesto Operania, and Vice Mayor Volter Balolong for their collaborative efforts to ensure the welfare of their constituents.

“Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil ako po’y probinsyano tulad ninyo na binigyan nyo ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo po sa inyo. Maraming-maraming salamat po,” he expressed.

As an adopted son of Pangasinan, Go then reassured his commitment to support the community.

“Ako po’y isang Bisayang Batangueño. Pero ako po’y adopted son ng Pangasinan. So ituring n’yo po ako na parang kapatid po ninyo… Tawagin n’yo lang po akong kuya Bong Go. Kung magkita tayo kahit saan, huwag n’yo akong ituring na ibang tao,” said Go.

To further address the healthcare access gap for Filipinos in need, Senator Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also championed the establishment of additional Super Health Centers across the country. These centers are intended to provide primary care, consultations, and early disease detection, making these crucial services more accessible to communities nationwide.

Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 26 in the province.

“Personally, sinusuportahan ko si Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. Alam niyo po, parehas kami ng layunin at priority projects. Isa na po dito ang kalusugan. Hindi ko na po babanggitin lahat ng naitulong ni Senator Bong Go. Malaki ang contribution ng ating mahal na senator at may mga pondo pong nagagamit ang ating mga kababayan na wala pong pera na pangpagamot,” Governor Guico expressed during the town’s Super Health Center inauguration earlier that day, which Go also attended.

Go mentioned that residents may avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Center located at the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City or from any of the 163 Malasakit Centers across the country. He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The centers have helped more than ten million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH.

Go, who principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, worked collaboratively with other lawmakers to pass this landmark legislation. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, including Region 1 Medical Center, which houses mental health and dermatology care. It also plans to have a renal care and transplant center, burn care, geriatric care, and cancer care.

In addition to these health initiatives, Senator Go, who serves as the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also backed numerous projects across the province. This support includes funding for the purchase of medical equipment for the dialysis center at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital.

“Tatandaan, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako na inyong Senator kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” said Go, who is also known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassion for the poor.