Bong Go provides additional support to help displaced workers in Silay City, Negros Occidental

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Joedith Gallego, provided additional assistance to disadvantaged workers in Silay City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, October 10. This initiative is part of his broader efforts to help expedite economic recovery in communities through the provision of livelihood opportunities.

During the relief operation at the Silay City Public Plaza covered court, Go’s team provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and snacks to 190 affected workers. Select recipients also received shoes, watches, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s program for disadvantaged and displaced workers.

“Nais kong magpadala ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DOLE. Sila ay nagbibigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan ng programa nila, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go stressed in a video message.

In his commitment to promoting economic recovery, Go has underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of all sectors, with particular attention to those residing in rural areas. He introduced Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420 which seeks to institutionalize a framework for offering temporary employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. These individuals would be engaged in unskilled manual labor for a specified period.

If enacted into law, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established within DOLE. REAP’s primary goal is to furnish temporary job prospects to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to help those with medical concerns. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center in the city located at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH).

“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito. Tutulungan kayo ng Malasakit Center upang pababain ang inyong hospital billing,” Go said.

Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program after he personally witnessed the struggles of disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their hospital bills. He successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored in 2019.

“Huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Patuloy nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok na ito ng magkakasama. Kasama ninyo kami na nagmamalasakit sa inyong kalagayan. Magtulungan tayo, at sa tulong ng Diyos, malalampasan natin ang mga pagsubok na ito,” he ended.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported various projects in the city, including the construction of a revetment, multi-purpose public facilities, and several road maintenance initiatives in Bacolod City; and the construction of a multi-purpose building and concreting of a local road in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto.

Other initiatives that Go pushed for include the construction of multi-purpose buildings in Calatrava and Himamaylan City; road maintenance in Bago City; and construction of a new infectious diseases wing at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.

Go likewise championed the passage of a law that led to the establishment of the Bacolod City General Hospital. This law was officially signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2021.