BONG GO HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF TECH-VOC TRAINING IN ENHANCING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE POOR AS HE SUPPORTS TESDA SCHOLARS IN LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go demonstrated his support for the scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) program in Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday, July 30, representing a significant educational collaboration between the senator’s office, TESDA and the local government.

In a video message, Go highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country’s development. He emphasized that TVET aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of their economic background, have the opportunity to gain relevant and in-demand skills that will allow them to secure gainful employment and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.

“The skills and knowledge you have acquired here will be your foundation for success in your chosen field,” said Go.

“Your dedication, hard work, and determination have truly paid off, and you stand as shining examples of the power of education and skill development. Through your commitment, you have not only enhanced your capabilities but also contributed to the growth and progress of our nation,” he added.

Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2115, which aims to institutionalize TVET as well as livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents. The bill aims to provide skills training to enhance the employability of former drug dependents and allow them to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

“By institutionalizing technical-vocational education and training programs, we empower rehabilitated drug dependents with skills for a better future,” he said.

As part of his support, Go’s Malasakit Team provided scholars with grocery packs, snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to the 73 who are taking up Driving and Cookery programs.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography said that the government’s medical assistance programs are conveniently accessible in a Malasakit Center at the Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City.

Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs.

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

There are now 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have assisted around ten million Filipinos, according to DOH.

“Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan na higit na nangangailangan. Patuloy kaming 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.

In 2021, Go experienced a near-death experience while flying to Basilan to launch a Malasakit Center. Despite the helicopter encountering problems, they landed safely. Go emphasized that he would consider it an honor to die while serving the country. He stated, “Hindi po ako takot na mamatay dahil naniniwala po ako na kung panahon mo na, panahon mo na. Kung hindi mo pa panahon, hindi mo pa panahon.”

“Diyos lamang po ang nakakaalam kung kailan ka mawawala sa mundong ito. Kung sakaling may nangyari sa amin, sabi ko isang karangalan po ang mamatay na naglilingkod po sa kanyang sariling bayan,” underscored Go, who is also known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassion for the poor.