Bong Go provides support to struggling workers in San Jose, Batangas in pursuit of inclusive economic recovery

Senator Christopher "Bong" T. Go assisted struggling workers in San Jose, Batangas, on Thursday, May 2. In his message, Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial ties with the Tesoros from Batangas, emphasized the critical need for continued government support for those experiencing poverty, unemployment and economic hardships.

In pursuing more robust support systems for the impoverished, Senator Go introduced Senate Bill No. 420, which seeks to create more job opportunities for low-income rural families. This bill proposes institutionalizing the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), which offers temporary jobs to displaced workers in rural regions.

During the activity held at the municipal building of San Jose, Go's team distributed shirts, vitamins, masks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 192 beneficiaries.

In partnership with Senator Go’s office, Councilor Jerick Mercado and the rest of the local government, representatives from DOLE likewise held an orientation for the eligible recipients of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. This initiative is part of a broader effort to assist displaced workers, providing them with temporary employment.

“Mga kababayan ko, nandito po ang aking Malasakit Team ngayon para tumulong. Nandito po ang ating DOLE para sa programang TUPAD. Kami po ang isa sa nagsulong ng programang ito para bigyan kayo ng pansamantalang trabaho,” expressed Go.

"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. 

Meanwhile, Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also advocated for more health facilities in the country. Through the collective efforts of the Department of Health (DOH) led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for the construction of around 700 Super Health Centers, including 18 in Batangas. 

He also mentioned that there are two Malasakit Centers located at Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery, which Batangueños with health-related concerns may visit if they need assistance with their hospital bills. 

Go principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are now 164 Malasakit Centers established nationwide, which have assisted more than ten million poor Filipinos.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said. 

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