SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, in collaboration with Congressman Jay Noel, had his Malasakit Team assist displaced workers in Malabon City on Friday, May 24. This is part of his continuing efforts to help bring economic opportunities to indigent sectors and promote inclusive recovery amid various challenges.
“Sa gitna ng ating mga pagsubok, nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong suporta at pag-asa para sa inyong lahat. Ang pamahalaan ay patuloy na nagsisikap upang matulungan ang mga mahihirap na makabangon, lalo na ang mga nawalan ng trabaho,” affirmed Go in a video message.
“Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, sapagkat kami ay narito upang sumuporta at magserbisyo sa inyo. Patuloy tayong magkaisa at magtulungan, sapagkat ang ating layunin ay mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Ang bisyo ko ay magserbisyo, at kasama ninyo ako sa bawat hakbang ng ating pagbangon,” he further encouraged.
Held at the Barangay Longos Hall, Go’s Malasakit Team assisted 500 displaced workers and provided them with snacks, vitamins, masks, basketballs and volleyballs. There were also select recipients of shoes and a mobile phone.
Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program orientation for the qualified beneficiaries through Go’s support.
The senator took the opportunity to commend DOLE for their proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged and displaced workers. The TUPAD program, implemented 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. 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.
Recognizing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare services, Senator Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has consistently promoted the Malasakit Centers as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs.
In his remarks, Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit, encouraged the residents to take advantage of the Malasakit Centers at Ospital ng Malabon and San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in the city. The Malasakit Center, initiated by Go in 2018 and enacted into law that he principally sponsored and authored in the Senate, aims to streamline the process of availing medical assistance programs by bringing together concerned government agencies under one roof.
The DOH reported that more or less ten million Filipinos benefitted from the 165 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
