ON Monday, May 20, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and his Malasakit Team assisted various vulnerable members of urban poor communities in Navotas City in pursuit of inclusive economic recovery aligned with his ongoing efforts to bring government assistance closer to Filipinos in need.
Held at the Navotas Sports Complex, Go handed out snacks, food packs, vitamins, masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to the beneficiaries. Additionally, a select few received bicycles, watches, shoes, and mobile phones.
In partnership with the office of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, 500 qualified indigent residents received additional assistance from the national government.
Meanwhile, through Go’s support and in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, 1,000 qualified displaced workers participated in an orientation for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for temporary employment.
Go commended DOLE’s proactive approach in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment: “The TUPAD program exemplifies the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of those who need it the most. By helping the most vulnerable sectors, we create an environment where every Filipino can strive for a better future.”
Designed as a community-based initiative, TUPAD focuses on engaging beneficiaries in short-term employment opportunities while undertaking community development projects that benefit the local population.
Go also thanked local officials, including Congressman Tobi Tiangco, Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez, among others, for their service to their constituents.
In a speech, Mayor Tiangco expressed heartfelt gratitude to Go for his steadfast support and numerous contributions to the city. He highlighted several significant projects initiated and funded with the help of Go, including educational institutions and infrastructure improvements.
The Mayor detailed the progress on various projects, such as the construction of new high schools and the Navotas Polytechnic College. “Kayo po ‘yung tumulong po d’yan. Hindi lang po’ yan, yung Kaunlaran High School sa proper rin po, may elementary school rin po doon,” he said, noting the senator’s pivotal support in establishing these educational facilities.
Tiangco also mentioned the ongoing improvements at the Navotas Fishport, a crucial economic hub for the city. “Nung hindi po mapondohan, ‘yung kailangang gawin po sa fishport, sa inyo rin po ako lumapit. At ngayon po, pangatlong taon na po, ginagawa na po, malapit na nga po matapos,” he added, acknowledging the senator’s role in securing funds for the project.
The mayor did not forget to mention Go’s immediate response during calamities. “Alam n’yo naman, tuwing may sakuna po tayo, ang unang pumupunta po dito, may sunog, may bagyo, hindi lang po nagpapadala ng mga tulong, kundi siya mismo ang bumababa po dito para alamin ang kalagayan po natin,” he said, appreciating the senator’s hands-on approach during emergencies.
Tiangco then reiterated his deep appreciation for Go’s relentless dedication to the city of Navotas. “Gusto ko lang po magpasalamat sa aking kaibigan. Hindi po ako nakakalimutan. Isang tawag lang po. Lahat ng ating hilingin. Simula dati hanggang ngayon. Pinakamaraming natulungan dito sa ating lungsod na senador,” he said.
Go, also chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his commitment to expanding healthcare access nationwide, aiming to enhance the availability of government medical services to communities, particularly those that are underserved.
With the collaborative efforts of Go, the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Ted Herbosa, local government units, and other legislators, substantial funding has been secured to establish more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including two in the city, to bring primary care, medical consultations, and early disease detection closer to communities.
Go also highlighted the presence of a Malasakit Center at the Navotas City Hospital for individuals needing medical assistance. Malasakit Centers serve as one stop shops, offering easy access to medical assistance programs for poor and indigent patients.
Initiated by Go in 2018, the Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. Currently, there are now 165 Malasakit Centers that have benefitted more or less ten million Filipinos, according to DOH.
To further help the city develop, as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go helped secure the funding for constructing various multipurpose buildings, floodwall structures, and improving drainage canals. He also helped secure funding to acquire ambulance units, trucks, and multicabs.
As an advocate of quality education, Go also supported the construction of new school buildings and facilities within various educational institutions in the city, including Navotas Polytechnic College, Kaunlaran High School, Daanghari Elementary School, North Bay Boulevard Elementary School, Navotas National High School, Tangos Elementary School, San Roque Elementary School, San Rafael Village Elementary School, Tanza Elementary School, and Dagat-Dagatan Elementary School, among others.
“Ako naman bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit Kuya Bong Go, magseserbisyo ako sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Magtulungan tayo upang ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga Pilipinong pinakanangangailangan,” said Go.
“Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataon na binigay niyo sa akin. Basta para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga mahihirap, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya,” the senator reassured.
