Senator Christopher “Bong” Go commended the 700 graduates who successfully finished their Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) program in the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban in Leyte.
As part of his support, Go, in coordination with TESDA Provincial Director Vivian Abuevo, provided graduates with grocery packs, snacks, pens, and shirts. The commencement exercises were held at Barangay Linao badminton gymnasium in Ormoc City on Thursday, October 12, and at Liceo del Verbo Divino Compound in Tacloban City on Friday, October 13.
In his video message, Go underscored the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the country. He cited 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 empower them to secure gainful employment and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.
“As you graduate from TESDA, remember that this is just the beginning of your journey towards personal and professional 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 own 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.
“Rehabilitation alone is not enough. By institutionalizing technical-vocational education and training programs, we empower rehabilitated drug dependents with skills for a better future,” he said.
Meanwhile, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged those with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers at New Western Leyte Provincial Hospital in Baybay City, Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban City, Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City, and Leyte Provincial Hospital and Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center (GBTRGHSC) in Palo.
Institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11462, which Go principally authored and sponsored, the Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by collaborating with various agencies offering medical assistance programs.
Furthermore, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and with the support of fellow lawmakers, Go has advocated for the construction of Super Health Centers in strategic locations nationwide to bring primary health services closer to communities.
These Super Health Centers provide services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (including laboratory, X-ray, and ultrasound), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. Additional services include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, as well as telemedicine for remote diagnosis and treatment.
Go also brought attention to Republic Act 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, a law for which he served as the principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate. The Regional Specialty Centers Act assumes an important role in the healthcare legislative priorities of the Marcos administration, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan for the years 2023 to 2028. This law shall create Regional Specialty Centers within the pre-existing regional hospitals under the jurisdiction of DOH.
Go, an adopted son of Leyte and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Isabel, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte and Tolosa; construction of the Merida Community Hospital; construction of flood control structures in Alangalang, Javier, Tanauan and Tolosa; and acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of Isabel and Villaba, among others.