ON Friday, April 5, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go coordinated with Congressman Danny Domingo and supported displaced workers in Malolos City, Bulacan, contributing to the government’s initiatives to promote inclusive economic recovery.
Held at the City Walk, the 170 displaced workers received masks, vitamins, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. There were also select recipients of shoes.
Through Go’s initiative, these beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after completing DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
Go commended DOLE’s proactive approach in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, stating, “The TUPAD program exemplifies the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of those who need it the most. By extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable sectors, we create an environment where every Filipino can strive for a better future.”
“Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” he said.
Go emphasized the importance of protecting the well-being of marginalized workers, especially those residing in rural areas who require increased economic opportunities.
The lawmaker has filed Senate Bill No. 420, which aims to institutionalize a system for providing short-term employment to eligible individuals from underprivileged households in rural regions. Within the framework of this proposed law, a program called the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be created under DOLE.
The primary objective of REAP is to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.
Apart from the assistance, Go, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also supported several initiatives for the city, such as the construction of a multipurpose building, the construction of bridges, rehabilitation of the wet section of the city’s public market, the upgrade of road and drainage in Barangay San Vicente, and the rehabilitation of Bulacan State University Activity Center.
Underscoring the need for accessible yet affordable healthcare, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reached out to residents with health concerns and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City and Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria, and Ospital ng San Jose del Monte.
The Malasakit Center Program was institutionalized into law in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored. It aims to provide convenient access to medical programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Go also mentioned that more than 700 Super Health Centers are set to be established nationwide. Designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, Super Health Centers aim to fortify the healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural communities. Through the collective efforts of the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro Hebrosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 18 Super Health Centers in the province.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
