SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go continues his commitment to aid Filipinos recovering from various crises, particularly those who have lost their livelihoods, by extending assistance to displaced workers in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, on Friday, January 19.
Senator Go’s Malasakit Team had the distribution activity at Villarica Residence, where 550 displaced workers were gathered and received assistance, such as vitamins, masks, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Meanwhile, select recipients received shoes and a watch.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also extended support through temporary employment after the beneficiaries completed the agency’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
Go commended the DOLE for effectively implementing various assistance programs, such as TUPAD which has significantly contributed to supporting individuals whose jobs have been impacted by crisis situations. He likewise maintained his support, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the needs of the economically challenged community.
“The TUPAD program exemplifies the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of those who need it the most. By extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable sectors, we create an environment where every Filipino can strive for a better future,” said Go.
Additionally, Go filed Senate Bill No. 420 to establish a system for providing short-term employment to eligible individuals from underprivileged households in rural areas. The bill proposes the creation of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) under DOLE.
If enacted into law, REAP would primarily focus on offering temporary employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. This initiative reflects Senator Go’s dedication to creating tangible solutions for vulnerable communities and his commitment to fostering a resilient and inclusive economy that leaves no Filipino behind.
As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go pledged support for those facing health issues through the Malasakit Centers initiative, which he started in 2018.
This program was institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. It integrates representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Its goal is to cover hospital expenses for patients through streamlined access to medical assistance programs of government.
There are currently 159 Malasakit Centers in operation. In the province, such centers are located at Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria, the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, and the Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte in San Jose del Monte City.
As reported by the DOH, the program has assisted around ten million Filipinos nationwide.
“Huwag ho kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa mga Malasakit Centers. Para po ‘yan sa Pilipino. Nalulungkot po ako tuwing may mga nag-aalangan magpatingin sa doktor dahil natatakot sila sa babayaran sa hospital. Pangalagaan niyo po ang inyong kalusugan at ang Malasakit Center ay handang tumulong sa inyo,” he added.
Go also supported the establishment of Super Health Centers across the country, bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots.
Through the collective efforts of DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, Jr., fellow lawmakers, and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022, 322 in 2023, and 132 in 2024.
DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In Bulacan, 18 Super Health Centers were identified and funded.
Go emphasized the importance of RA 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, for which he is the principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate. This Act seeks to create Regional Specialty Centers within existing regional hospitals under the DOH to bring specialized healthcare in all regions.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, aims to deliver enhanced public service to the province as he supported the rehabilitation of the Bulacan State University Activity Center and the construction of a multipurpose building in Malolos City, construction of drainages, provision of medical equipment for local hospitals, improvement of the Pandi District Hospital, concreting of a farm-to-market road in San Ildefonso, and many more.
