Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of livelihood initiatives for Filipinos as he extended support to displaced workers in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday, October 29.
In a video message, Senator Go expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve: “Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Ako po ay probinsyano, katulad ninyo, at sinisigurado ko po na hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwala ninyo sa akin. Ako po ay magtatrabaho at tutulong sa abot ng aking makakaya.”
Coordinating closely with Philippine Councilor League President Handy Lao, Go supported the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which aims to equip participants with temporary employment opportunities.
Held at the Barangay 1 Covered Court, the event brought together 98 beneficiaries of the program who also received snacks, masks, vitamins, shirts, and basketballs from Senator Go. Select attendees were also provided with shoes and a mobile phone.
During the event, representatives from the DOLE helped qualified workers prepare for the temporary employment designed to alleviate their current economic challenges.
“We are committed to creating more pathways for Filipinos to earn a living,” Go said. “Through programs like TUPAD, we can help more of our fellow citizens sustain their families and uplift their lives, one opportunity at a time.”
Go has long been a staunch advocate of livelihood programs that address the economic difficulties faced by many Filipinos, especially those in rural areas. To support this, he filed Senate Bill No. 420, which proposes short-term employment for qualified disadvantaged individuals from rural communities, allowing them to engage in essential community-based work. The bill underscores Go’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for Filipinos, especially those in economically vulnerable situations.
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.
“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,” concluded Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
