ON Wednesday, November 29, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go provided additional assistance to economically disadvantaged residents in Malungon, Sarangani. This initiative is part of his ongoing efforts to promote the welfare of less fortunate Filipinos throughout the country.
Go’s team distributed snacks, vitamins, and shirts to 15 beneficiaries who gathered at the Food and Choice Restaurant in Malungon. Select beneficiaries received new pairs of shoes.
Separately, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, provided livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries. Go advocated for and continues to support PPG’s implementation to help micro-entrepreneurs recover from crises.
“Nais kong magpasalamat sa DTI sa inyong PPG program dahil hindi lamang ito nagbibigay ng tulong kundi pati na rin ng sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan sa pagnenegosyo para sa mga pamilyang bumabangon mula sa iba’t-ibang krisis,” Go said.
“Ang PPG program ay isang malinaw na halimbawa kung paano natin maipapakita ang malasakit at suporta sa ating mga kababayan na tinamaan ng mga pagsubok. Ang inyong pagsisikap ay hindi lamang nagbibigay ng tulong sa mga pamilya at indibidwal, kundi pati na rin sa mga komunidad na nangangailangan ng pagbangon,” he continued.
Go pushed for DTI’s PPG program to help boost the livelihoods of communities affected by crises. He continues to support the implementation of the program to help uplift individuals and families, particularly those engaged in micro-enterprises, who have been adversely affected by disasters, calamities, and other crises such as fires, armed conflicts, and the like.
“Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya… mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo at napalago ninyo ito,” Go said to beneficiaries of the program.
Go likewise conveyed his appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for the passage of Republic Act 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. He is one of the authors and co-sponsors of the measure in the Senate.
The OTOP Philippines Program represents a governmental stimulus strategically crafted to nurture the expansion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. The program places a strong emphasis on harnessing local resources while safeguarding the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography urged those with health concerns to seek the services offered in any of the 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including one at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City.
RA 11463, which paved the way for the institutionalization of Malasakit Centers, was signed into law in 2019. The law was principally authored and sponsored by Go to provide convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance likewise supported the concretion of the NHW junction Lebe-Tablao-Sipling-Banawag, NHW Luan-Ticulab-Café and Malalag-Batian provincial roads; construction of a multipurpose building for the public terminal; and construction of a lined canal in Brgy. Malalag in Maitum.
