ON Wednesday, October 16, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team aided struggling workers in Iba, Zambales, aiding them in overcoming the economic challenges they face in pursuit of inclusive development.
In a message, Go offered words of hope and solidarity to the residents, aiming to uplift and unite those struggling economically, reaffirming his commitment to enhancing the lives of Filipinos. He is considered an adopted son of both Iba town as well as the province of Zambales.
“Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, sapagka’t kami ay narito upang sumuporta at magserbisyo sa inyo. Patuloy tayong magkaisa at magtulungan, sapagka’t ang ating layunin ay upang mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Ang bisyo ko ay magserbisyo, at kasama ninyo ako sa bawat hakbang ng ating pagbangon,” adopted son of Zambales Go declared.
Through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, qualified beneficiaries were given temporary employment.
“Ang TUPAD ay isang programa na layong makatulong sa mga kababayan nating walang trabaho o naapektuhan ang kabuhayan. Sa pamamagitan ng programa na ito, ang gobyerno ay tumutulong sa mga manggagawang naapektuhan ng krisis at nakakapagbigay ng pansamantalang trabaho sa kanila,” he added.
Dubbed as “Mr. Malasakit” for his consistent, compassionate service to people experiencing poverty, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 420, which aims to institutionalize a Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP). If enacted, the primary objective of REAP is to provide temporary employment avenues for individuals facing economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or reliance on seasonal employment.
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 PhP100 nationwide.
In the relief activity held at the Barangay Amungan Covered Court in Iba, Go’s Malasakit Team, in coordination with Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., distributed snacks, shirts, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs to 177 beneficiaries. Additionally, select beneficiaries received special items like a mobile phone and shoes.
Malasakit Centers streamline access to the medical assistance programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, offering a one-stop shop for Filipinos in need.
In Zambales, a Malasakit Center is located at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go continues to champion these centers, ensuring that all citizens have convenient access to healthcare services. There are now 166 Malasakit Centers nationwide that have assisted more than 15 million Filipinos, according to DOH’s report.
Go reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to service, stating,
“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.”
