Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with the local government of Pilar led by Mayor Wilson Pajo, sent assistance to displaced workers in Pilar, Bohol on Wednesday, October 18.
A total of 210 displaced individuals gathered at the Poblacion Gym where Go’s team distributed snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball.
The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its temporary employment program.
“Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” he said.
Meanwhile, Go emphasized the importance of protecting the well-being of marginalized workers, particularly those residing in rural areas and in dire need of increased economic prospects.
In light of this, Go has introduced Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, which aims to establish a system for providing short-term employment to eligible individuals from disadvantaged households in rural areas. Within the framework of this proposed law, a Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be created under DOLE. The main objective of REAP is to offer temporary job opportunities to individuals who meet the criteria for being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also championed the services offered by the Malasakit Centers located at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay.
Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally authored and sponsored by Go, mandates all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals, and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila City, to establish their own centers to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the government.
“Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay ma-cover ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” explained Go.
Go also mentioned that a Super Health Center is set to be established across the province. The Super Health Center will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible.
Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, local government units, and DOH, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed.
In Bohol, necessary funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, and Ubay.
Lastly, Go cited the enactment of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation’s health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people.
Go, also principally sponsored the passage of RA 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex.
To help contribute to the province’s progress and improved connectivity, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe.
Last October 16, more displaced workers in Carmen and Batuan towns also received assistance from Go.
