During his Malasakit Team’s visit to Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, on Thursday, July 18, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted the urgent necessity for enhanced government-supported livelihood programs to aid in the recovery of Filipino workers.
In a video message, Go reiterated his commitment to supporting Filipinos during difficult times.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Sa totoo lang po, ako po’y isang probinsyano tulad ninyo na binigyan ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Ako po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyong lahat,” said Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit for his steadfast dedication to helping those in need.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magseserbisyo po ako para sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino at uunahin ko parati ang kapakanan ng mga kababayan nating mahihirap. Kayo po ang uunahin ko parati,” he continued.
Go also thanked the local officials for their efforts, while he called for enhanced cooperation to further the welfare of the community as he partnered with Congresswoman Juliet Ferrer, Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson, Mayor Miguel Antonio Peña, and other officials to help the qualified struggling workers.
The distribution activity took place at the Municipal Auditorium. Go’s Malasakit Team distributed snacks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs for 90 displaced workers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program orientation for qualified beneficiaries.
The senator took the opportunity to commend the 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.
Additionally, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 420 to establish a short-term employment program for eligible individuals from underprivileged households. If enacted into law, this proposed measure would create the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) 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 Senate Bill No. 2534, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 nationwide.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged the public to avail of the services offered by the Malasakit Center located in Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City if they may need medical assistance.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies work hand-in-hand to help poor and indigent patients reduce their hospital bills to the lowest amount possible.
Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, which successfully institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. There are 166 Malasakit Centers, which have helped around ten million Filipinos nationwide.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.
