SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, through his Malasakit Team, assisted indigent sectors including senior citizens, youth, displaced workers, and solo parents in Pasig City on Thursday, October 4.
In his message during his team’s visit at Pasig City Hall, Go highlighted the importance of supporting various vulnerable sectors, stating,
“These groups play critical roles in our society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are given the support they need to thrive and survive.”
“Tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Bukas po ang aking opisina kung may kinakailangan pa kayong tulong. Dahil ‘yan po ang aking bisyo, ang magserbisyo,” Go assured.
Go stressed the need to uplift women, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping families and communities. By supporting women, the senator believes that we empower half of the population to contribute more actively to economic and social development.
Furthermore, the elderly, according to Go, are the wisdom keepers of society. They deserve respect and care for their lifelong contributions, and ensuring their well-being is a way to honor their sacrifices.
Reaffirming his commitment to senior citizens, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11982. The law now includes cash gifts for Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, and 95, amounting to P10,000 each, in addition to the existing P100,000 cash gift for centenarians.
Likewise, Go previously co-authored RA 11916, otherwise known as an Act Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens, which amended RA 7432, the Senior Citizens Act.
As the future of the nation, Go underscored that the youth require consistent support in education, employment, and growth opportunities. Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth reiterated that investing in the younger generation secures a better tomorrow for the country.
“Ang kabataan ang future leaders at pag-asa ng ating bayan. Suportahan natin sila at ilayo sa masasamang bisyo tulad ng iligal na droga,” he urged.
Go also acknowledged displaced workers who have been affected by the economic challenges brought about by various crises. He emphasized the importance of providing them with livelihood opportunities and ensuring they are not left behind in the recovery efforts.
“Sa pagbibigay ng oportunidad sa ating mga mamamayan, patuloy nating pinatutunayan na ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ay isang epektibong daan patungo sa ating pagbangon muli mula sa mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap,” he added.
Solo parents, who often shoulder the responsibility of raising their children alone, also need special assistance. Go then vowed to continue advocating for programs that cater to their unique needs.
Go has also been advocating for programs and policies that would provide a better life for solo parents. These include RA 11861, which amended RA 8972 or the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 to grant additional benefits to solo parents, most of whom are women. Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of the said measure.
Go’s Malasakit Team coordinated with Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski in providing snacks, vitamins, face masks, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to 22 beneficiaries. A select recipient also received a mobile phone. Additionally, the national government also provided livelihood support to the beneficiaries.
“Suportado ko ang ganitong mga livelihood program kung saan tuturuan po kayong mag-negosyo, (at) bibigyan ho kayo ng tulong para palaguin ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya… mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” said Go in a message.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go continues to urge the public to utilize the services available at Malasakit Centers across the country including the one at Rizal Medical Center in the city.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops designed to help impoverished patients minimize their hospital expenses to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which established the Malasakit Centers program.
Currently, there are 166 Malasakit Centers in operation nationwide, ready to assist with patients’ medical costs. The Department of Health reports that the program has helped approximately 15 million Filipinos.
“Magtulungan tayo upang ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga pinakanangangailangan, lalo na ang mga hopeless at helpless natin na mga kababayan,” Go concluded.
