IN a collaborative effort to support displaced workers, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Marcy Teodoro, assisted the disadvantaged residents of Marikina City on Tuesday, June 4. The initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to help those adversely affected by economic challenges.
In a video message, Go emphasized the importance of providing essential livelihood support to Filipinos, particularly those disadvantaged.
“We must ensure that our kababayans who are struggling receive the help they need to rebuild their lives. Livelihood support is crucial for them,” said Go.
The activities were held at the Community Mall in Marikina City, where 500 displaced workers received relief items, such as snacks, vitamins, and masks from Go’s Malasakit Team. There were also select recipients of shirts, basketballs, volleyballs, shoes, and a mobile phone.
Go then lauded the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as its representatives oriented the qualified individuals for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers for a minimum period of 10 days, depending on the nature of work.
The senator highlighted that the TUPAD program offers livelihood assistance and imparts valuable skills to the beneficiaries.
“This program equips our people with skills that can be useful in their daily lives and future endeavors. It also enables them to contribute positively to society,” Go added.
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.
Apart from the assistance he provided, Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered medical assistance to any resident with health issues. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center in the city located at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies are put under one roof to assist poor and indigent patients with medical expenses.
Since it was launched in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally sponsored and authored in 2019, the 165 Malasakit Centers have already helped more or less ten million indigent patients 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,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
