BONG GO CALLS FOR MORE LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE POOR AS HE AIDS WORKERS IN ROMBLON

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go remains steadfast in his advocacy to support Filipino workers. On Thursday, July 11, Go’s Malasakit Team conducted a distribution activity for displaced workers in San Fernando and Cajidiocan, Romblon.

In a video message, Go, adopted son of Romblon, commended the local governments of San Fernando and Cajidiocan for their proactive measures and assistance to the displaced workers.

“Sa gitna ng ating mga pagsubok, nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong suporta at pag-asa para sa inyong lahat. Ang pamahalaan ay patuloy na gumagawa ng mga programang pro-poor upang matulungan ang bawat isa sa inyo, lalo na ang mga nawalan ng trabaho,” affirmed Go.

Meanwhile, Go lauded the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for their flagship program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), as representatives from DOLE oriented the displaced workers. TUPAD aims to assist displaced workers, the underemployed, and seasonal laborers by offering emergency employment opportunities.

“The TUPAD program exemplifies the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of those who need it the most. By extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable sectors, we create an environment where every Filipino can strive for a better future,” Go said.

True to his reputation as “Mr. Malasakit,” Senator Go reiterated his commitment to uplifting the poor. He introduced Senate Bill No. 420, aiming to institutionalize a Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP). If enacted, REAP would offer temporary employment opportunities for those facing economic hardships, displacement, or seasonal employment.

Moreover, Senator Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2534, advocating for a P100 increase in the daily minimum wage across the country, further easing the financial burden on Filipino families.

In coordination with San Fernando Mayor Nanette Tansingco, Cajidiocan Mayor Marvin “Greggy” Ramos, Vice Mayor Ken Rabino, Board Member Herminio Mortel, and other local officials, Go’s Malasakit Team held relief activities at San Fernando Municipal Hall and Romblon State University Covered Court in Cajidiocan.

The Malasakit Team provided snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to 76 beneficiaries from San Fernando and 301 beneficiaries from Cajidiocan. There were also select recipients of shoes and mobile phones.

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go encouraged the public to avail of the services offered by the Malasakit Center at the Romblon Provincial Hospital in Odiongan.

A brainchild of Go, the idea of the Malasakit Centers program started after he witnessed the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos to get quality health services.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 165 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has aided more or less ten million Filipinos.

“Mga kababayan ko, tandaan n’yo po, mahal na mahal ko po kayo. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kung anuman pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go concluded.