‘BRINGING HOPE AND COMPASSION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE’ — BONG GO EXTENDS SUPPORT TO MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS IN NEW CORELLA, DAVAO DEL NORTE

Before the new year, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reached out and aided micro-entrepreneurs in New Corella, Davao del Norte, bringing them hope of a brighter future. Go also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government programs aimed at enhancing livelihoods, particularly in areas severely impacted by poverty and economic challenges.

Senator Go’s Malasakit Team partnered with the local government of New Corella and coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in providing livelihood support to qualified beneficiaries as part of the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program to help uplift the livelihoods of the poor.

“Ang programang ito ay isang halimbawa kung paano natin maipapakita ang malasakit at suporta sa ating mga kababayan na tinamaan ng mga pagsubok. Ang inyong pagsisikap ay hindi lamang nagbibigay ng tulong sa mga pamilya at indibidwal, kundi pati na rin sa mga komunidad na nangangailangan ng pagbangon,” Senator Go told the beneficiaries.

In addition, Go’s Malasakit Team provided essential goods such as, grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs to 100 qualified residents in the gathered at the municipal gymnasium on Friday, December 27. Select recipients also received shoes, a watch, and a mobile phone.

Earlier, Go personally extend similar assistance to 600 micro-entrepreneurs from Braulio E. Dujali, Carmen, Sto. Tomas, Kapalong, Asuncion, and Tagum City, aside from the livelihood support from DTI.

“Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya… mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo at napalago ninyo ito,” he added.

In support of local businesses, Senator Go co-sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate of Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. The OTOP program promotes national pride in Filipino-made products while providing small-scale producers opportunities to expand their market reach. By focusing on local specialties, the program aims to elevate the livelihoods of communities and contribute to the nation’s overall economic progress.

“Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” he explained.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a health reform crusader, Senator Go advised those with medical concerns to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center located at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City.

Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. Go also proudly noted that the program has served over 15 million Filipinos across the country, further emphasizing his commitment to making healthcare more accessible to all.

“Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga nangangailangan nito. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, gagawin ko po ang aking makakaya para makatulong dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Senator Go said.