BONG GO AIDS DISPLACED WORKERS IN HERMOSA, BATAAN; HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE SECTORS

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go deployed his Malasakit Team to Hermosa, Bataan, to help support displaced workers on Saturday, August 31.

Known as Mr. Malasakit for his unwavering commitment to public service, Go, in a video message reiterated, “Ako naman po ay patuloy na tutulong para mailapit ang serbisyong nararapat sa ating mga kababayan dahil ‘yan ang aking bisyo, ang magserbisyo.”

“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Kayo po ang dapat kong pasalamatan dahil binigyan niyo po ako ng pagkakataon na makapaglingkod at makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” he added.

In a relief effort held at Hermosa Municipal Hall covered court, Go’s Malasakit Team spearheaded the distribution of snacks, vitamins, facemasks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to 368 beneficiaries. Shoes and a mobile phone were also given to select recipients.

Additionally, eligible recipients were granted temporary work through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program which Go continues to support. DOLE’s TUPAD aims to assist those experiencing economic difficulties by offering emergency employment to displaced workers, the underemployed, and seasonal laborers.

Meanwhile, Go commended the proactive efforts of Hermosa’s local officials, including Vice Mayor Patrick Rellosa, Councilor Roger Manarang, Councilor Luz Samaniego, Councilor Lou Narciso, Councilor Boyet Yandoc, Councilor Sonjie Valencia, Councilor Floyd Tungol, and Councilor Jason Enrique in ensuring the welfare of their constituents. He encouraged sustained collaboration for the continued progress and prosperity of their municipality.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography urged individuals facing health challenges to avail of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers located at Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga City and Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital.

Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

The Malasakit Centers program was initiated by Go in 2018 and was later institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored.

Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are functioning nationwide, ready to help cover patients’ medical costs. According to the DOH, over ten million Filipinos have already received assistance from the Malasakit Center program.

“Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.