BONG GO’S MALASAKIT TEAM ASSISTS DISPLACED WORKERS IN KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO; ADVOCATES FOR LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE POOR

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go collaborated with Vice Governor Arthur “Dodo” Pingoy Jr. to provide aid to displaced workers in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on Tuesday, July 23.

“Amidst our challenges, I want to extend my heartfelt support and hope to all of you. The government is continuously creating pro-poor programs to assist each one of you, especially those who have lost their jobs,” Go stated in his message.

“Do not lose hope, for we are here to support and serve you. Let us continue to unite and help each other because our goal is to improve the lives of every Filipino. My mission is to serve, and I am with you in every step of our recovery,” he further encouraged.

Go has filed Senate Bill No. 420 to establish a short-term employment program for eligible individuals from underprivileged households. This proposed measure would create the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) under DOLE. If enacted, REAP’s primary objective would be to provide temporary employment opportunities to individuals who qualify as economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.

To further ease the financial burden on Filipino families, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 2534, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 nationwide.

Held at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court, Go’s Malasakit Team assisted 155 displaced workers by providing them with snacks, vitamins, basketballs, volleyballs, masks, and shirts. Additionally, select recipients received shoes, mobile phones, and a watch.

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program orientation for qualified beneficiaries.

The senator commended DOLE for their proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged and displaced workers. The TUPAD program, initiated by DOLE and supported by Go, aims to provide emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to those who have lost their jobs or sources of income due to crises.

Recognizing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare services, Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has consistently promoted the utilization of the Malasakit Center as a one-stop-shop for medical assistance programs.

In his remarks, Go encouraged residents to take advantage of the Malasakit Centers located at South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in the city. The Malasakit Center, initiated by Go in 2018, aims to streamline the process of availing medical assistance programs by bringing together concerned government agencies under one roof.

To date, the Department of Health reported that more or less ten million Filipinos have benefited from the 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“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, also known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service for the poor.