BONG GO EXTENDS AID TO INDIGENTS IN PAETE, LAGUNA AS HE CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR SUPPORT TO MSMES

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team delivered relief items to Paete, Laguna, on Friday, March 1, to support its indigents. In a message, Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, reiterated his support for Paete, known as the ‘Carving Capital of the Philippines,’ and its local government led by Mayor Ronald Cosico.

Go highlighted the town’s significant attraction to tourists. He emphasized the importance of supporting such cultural and artistic hubs, which preserve Filipino heritage and contribute to the local economy through tourism.

Senator Go has actively advocated for government support for local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). As one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, he is pushing for enhanced programs to bolster local economies.

The OTOP Philippines Program is designed as a governmental stimulus to encourage the growth of MSMEs across the nation, emphasizing utilizing local resources and preserving cultural heritage.

“Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin na makapaglingkod sa inyo. Ang pagbisita ng aking Malasakit Team sa inyong magandang bayan ay isang patunay ng aming taos-pusong hangarin na kayo ay aming matulungan sa abot ng aming makakaya,” said Go.

“Bilang ‘Carving Capital of the Philippines,’ ang Paete ay may malaking potensyal hindi lamang sa turismo kundi pati na rin sa pagpapalago ng ating kultura at sining. Kaya naman tutulong ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya upang mapalago pa lalo ito,” he maintained.

The Malasakit Team delivered shirts for 100 residents and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. The beneficiaries also received financial assistance from the government during the relief activity held at Agarao Gymnasium in Barangay Quinale.

Senator Go, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, spoke about his ongoing health initiatives to ensure accessible healthcare for all Filipinos.

Through the Malasakit Centers program initiated in 2018, Go remains focused on streamlining medical assistance to particularly poor patients nationwide.

These 159 Malasakit Centers, including those at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital have been instrumental in breaking down barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that Filipinos can avail of medical services without excessive costs. According to the Department of Health, the program has helped approximately ten million Filipinos.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

Moreover, Senator Go continues to advocate for establishing more Super Health Centers nationwide, including 13 in the province. These centers are envisioned to serve as primary care facilities, offering a comprehensive range of health services to communities, particularly in underserved areas.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported other infrastructure projects, including constructing multi-purpose buildings in Cavinti, Liliw, Lumban, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Pila, Sta. Cruz and Sta. Maria; slaughterhouses in Mabitac, Nagcarlan, and Pagsanjan; and public markets in Liliw, Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan, and Rizal.

He also supported the construction of a farm-to-market road and a multi-purpose covered court in Paete, a drainage canal in Cabuyao City, and the repair of the primary highway inside Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa City; and installation of street lights in Lumban and Magdalena.

Last February 25 and 26, Go was personally in Sta. Cruz will join the celebration of the 100th founding anniversary of Laguna Medical Center and attend the reunion of former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Batch 1 members of Laguna.