Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Labor, has expressed his support for the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, an important legislation signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday, September 27.
“With the enactment of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, I am filled with optimism that this will serve as a catalyst for economic recovery and job creation,” said Go, who co-sponsored the measure in the Senate.
Go emphasized that the law aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. It aims to create a national master plan for employment in the Philippines. In the Senate, it was principally authored and sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.
“Dapat po talaga may sapat na pagpaplano at stratehiya para makalikha tayo ng sapat na trabaho. Through the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, we can promote the employability, competitiveness, wellness, and productivity of Filipino workers,” Go emphasized.
The National Economic and Development Authority Secretary will head the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Inter-Agency Council, responsible for overseeing the Act’s implementation. The law will focus on upskilling and reskilling Filipino workers and extending support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act establishes a comprehensive plan known as the “Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan.” This plan will serve as the state’s blueprint for employment generation and recovery. It aims to stimulate economic growth, promote the employability and competitiveness of workers, and provide support and incentives to businesses.
“Ang batas na ito ay isang malaking hakbang patungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan para sa bawat Pilipino,” Go concluded.
Go’s support for the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act is consistent with his ongoing efforts to promote more economic opportunities particularly in the provinces and especially for the indigent sector. He has been at the forefront of advocating for pro-poor policies and initiatives.
Another law he supported is Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Act, which the senator co-sponsored and is also one of the authors in the Senate. The said law is aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship and empowering communities through the development of unique products. The OTOP program has the potential to uplift struggling families by fostering small and micro-enterprises, which can serve as a vital source of income.
At the height of the pandemic, Go also played a crucial role in the implementation of the Small Business Wage Subsidy program. This program provided financial assistance to eligible workers who were unable to work or receive payment during the enhanced community quarantine period.