SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go directed his team to assist displaced workers in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on Saturday, December 2. In his video message, Go stressed the importance of strengthened government efforts to help Filipinos efficiently recover from the adverse effects of the global health crisis.
In coordination with Mayor Maila Ting-Que, Go’s team organized the relief operation at SM City Tuguegarao, assisting a total of 205 individuals. The beneficiaries received snacks, vitamins, masks, and shirts while select recipients were given a mobile phone, a pair of shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball.
Meanwhile, the qualified beneficiaries received livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program. This program provides temporary employment assistance to those affected by economic crises.
“Sa pamamagitan ng programa na ito, ang gobyerno ay tumutulong sa mga manggagawang naapektuhan ng krisis at nakapagbibigay ng pansamantalang trabaho sa kanila,” Go said.
“Patuloy po tayong magtutulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito, na makabuo ng mas ligtas at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” he added.
A recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research Inc. from September 10 to 14 showed that 74 percent of respondents expressed concern about the impact of inflation. The second most important issue, highlighted by 49 percent of those surveyed, was the need to increase workers’ wages. Following closely is the creation of additional job opportunities, which ranked third at 27 percent.
To address the welfare of Filipino workers affected by crises, particularly those residing in rural areas with limited employment options, Go introduced Senate Bill No. 420. This bill aims to provide temporary employment opportunities to eligible members of low-income rural households. The proposed legislation envisions the establishment of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) within DOLE.
Should this bill become a law, REAP’s primary goal would be to offer temporary employment to individuals facing economic disadvantage, poverty, displacement, or seasonal unemployment, to support and assist affected Filipino workers.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography encouraged those with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in the city.
Initiated in 2018, the Malasakit Centers program is aimed at consolidating government medical assistance programs under one roof for easier access. These one-stop shops aim to support particularly poor patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.
The Malasakit Centers program has since established 159 operational centers and has helped more than ten million indigent Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
Furthermore, the senator also supports the establishment of Super Health Centers across the country. Through the collective efforts of DOH, fellow lawmakers, and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 Super Health Centers in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built.
The Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible.
Go also highlighted RA 11959, which mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. As principal sponsor and one of its authors, the Regional Specialty Centers Act mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported various projects in the province. These include the construction of a revetment along the Cagayan River; the installation of streetlights in Lal-lo; construction of various roads in Sta Teresita, Aparri, Amulung, Baggao, Calayan, Gonzaga, Iguig, Santa Ana, Enrile, Tuao and Tuguegarao City; construction of a river control structure at the Zinundungan River; installation of streetlights in Camalaniugan; and upgrading of the CVMC.
