THE Malasakit Team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended support to displaced workers in Masinloc on Wednesday, May 23. This initiative is part of the Go’s ongoing efforts to aid communities significantly impacted by various crises and promote inclusive pandemic recovery.
In his video message, Senator Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and an adopted son of Zambales, advised the public to prioritize their health. He also advised that they may visit the Malasakit Center at President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba if they have health concerns or in need of medical attention.
“Bisyo na po natin ang magserbisyo, at sa ating walang tigil na pagseserbisyo ay patuloy tayong maghahanap ng paraan na tumulong sa abot ng ating makakaya sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan. Tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Mr. Malasakit, Go asserted.
Initiated by Senator Go, the Malasakit Centers Act was signed into law in 2019. It mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in qualified public hospitals as a one-stop shop to provide convenient access to the government’s medical assistance programs.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has successfully established 165 Malasakit Centers and helped more or less ten million Filipinos nationwide.
“Mga kababayan, kung mayroon po kayong mga pasyente, magsabi lang kayo dahil mayro’n tayong 165 na Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas. Malasakit Center ay batas na ‘yan na aking isinulong noon na pinirmahan ni dating prresidente Rodrigo Duterte, one-stop shop ‘yan,” said Go.
“Ang Malasakit Center, mayroon na sa loob ng ospital ang PhilHealth, DOH, PCSO at DSWD. Lapitan ninyo lang ‘yang Malasakit Center para talaga ‘yan sa poor and indigent patients, handang tumulong po sa inyong lahat,” he added.
The Malasakit Team gave snacks, masks, shirts, vitamins, basketballs, and volleyballs to 177 displaced workers at Baloganon Covered Court. They partnered with Congresswoman Doris “Bing” Maniquiz, Mayor Arsenia Lim, and Vice Mayor Pedro Enciso.
Meanwhile, qualified recipients received temporary employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program of the Department of Labor and Employment.
Furthermore, Go has introduced Senate Bill No. 420 to establish a short-term employment program for eligible individuals from underprivileged households. This proposed measure would create the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) within DOLE. If enacted, REAP’s primary objective would be to provide temporary employment opportunities to those who are economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.
To promote inclusive economic development, Go has also co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 2534, which aims to increase the daily minimum wage by P100 nationwide.
