BONG GO PROVIDES AID TO A THOUSAND DISPLACED WORKERS IN POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO; ADVOCATES FOR ENHANCED LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS FOR THE POOR

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the significance of expanding livelihood opportunities for the underprivileged as his Malasakit Team visited Polomolok, South Cotabato, on Tuesday, October 29, to extend support to displaced workers in the area.

Following the completion of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), temporary job assistance was provided to 1,000 displaced workers through the collaboration of Senator Go, DOLE and local officials such as Mayor Bernie Palencia, Councilors Eliazar Jovero, Ligaya Orbesido, Danny Nograles, and Allan Ines.

“Through this program, we can assist workers affected by crises and provide immediate help for their needs,” Go expressed in his video message.

“Let us continue to work together to improve the situation of our disadvantaged and displaced workers. Together, we aim to create a fairer and stronger society for all Filipinos. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, ang bisyo ko po ay magserbisyo,” he added.

Additionally, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed shirts, fans, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. A mobile phone, sling bags, a watch, shoes, basketballs, and volleyballs were also given to select recipients.

Go underscored the need to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable workers, especially those in rural areas seeking better economic opportunities.

Senate Bill No. 420, introduced by Go, proposes the creation of a mechanism to offer temporary employment opportunities to qualified members of economically disadvantaged families in rural areas. According to this bill, if enacted, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to facilitate short-term employment for individuals identified as economically underprivileged, poor, displaced, or seasonal laborers.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go emphasized the importance of convenient access to quality health services, promoting the presence of a Malasakit Center located at SOCCSKSARGEN General Hospital in Surallah. Other Malasakit Centers nearby are located at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City and Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City.

Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally authored and sponsored by Go, mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila to establish their centers, providing convenient access to government medical assistance programs.

“The goal of the Malasakit Center is to cover your hospital bills. 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,” Go explained.

There are currently 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide that have helped more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide.