ON Monday, August 19, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team, in coordination with the local government, extended vital support to displaced workers in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
In a video message, Go reiterated his push for Senate Bill No. 420 which aims to establish a short-term employment program for eligible individuals from underprivileged households. This proposed measure would create the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to provide temporary employment opportunities to individuals who qualify as economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.
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.
In a collaborative effort with Governor Ben Evardone, Vice Governor Maricar Sison, Congresswoman Maria Fe Abunda, Mayor Agda Dayan, and Vice Mayor Emmanuel Tiu, Go’s team provided 149 beneficiaries gathered at Borongan City Legislative Building with essential items such as shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs.
“Bawat tulong na ating ipinamamahagi ay isang hakbang patungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga kababayan. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ito ay pagpapatuloy ng ating walang sawang pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan sa abot ng ating makakaya,” he said.
Meanwhile, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), they conducted a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program orientation for qualified beneficiaries to be able to avail of temporary employment.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reminded the beneficiaries about the medical assistance programs available through the Malasakit Centers. With over 166 centers nationwide, these facilities help to reduce hospital bills for the impoverished and underprivileged.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
The Department of Health reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos.
In Eastern Samar, Malasakit Center is located at Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” said Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.