On first day of campaign period, Senator Bong Go visits street vendors in Davao City, urges support for small businesses

As the campaign period officially kicked off on February 11, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spent the day engaging with small business owners and street vendors in Davao City, emphasizing the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs. Known for his accessibility and direct engagement with the public, Senator Go took time to check on vendors selling food along the streets, reinforcing his call to help small businesses thrive.  

“Tangkilikin natin ang mga negosyante, mga maliliit na negosyante. Tulungan po natin sila,” he urged, encouraging the public to patronize small enterprises as a way of uplifting livelihoods. “Tulungan natin ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan.”  

In addition to his interactions with street vendors, Senator Go, who serves as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, also took the opportunity to engage with students in the area. His conversations with the youth focused on their aspirations and challenges, further solidifying his advocacy for education and welfare programs that benefit young Filipinos.  

Later in the evening, Senator Go attended the League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Manila Hotel. During this gathering of local officials, he discussed the significance of bringing government services closer to the people, particularly those from marginalized communities.  

As he continues his engagements throughout the campaign period, Senator Go’s message remains clear: empowering small businesses and ensuring accessible public services are key priorities in his legislative work.  

Senator Go remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to stable and dignified employment, as well as support for small business owners. He continues to push for the passage and proper implementation of key legislative measures that promote fair wages, job security, and livelihood support—ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s economic recovery and progress.  

A key initiative in his agenda is Senate Bill No. 420, or the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), which seeks to provide temporary employment for displaced and seasonal workers. With renewed support, Senator Go will work to secure the necessary funding and institutional backing to implement REAP effectively, ensuring that those affected by economic downturns have the opportunity to earn a living while contributing to their communities.  

Recognizing the growing gig economy, Senate Bill No. 2107, or the Freelance Workers Protection Bill, is another measure under Senator Go’s legislative agenda, to ensure that freelancers have legally binding contracts, fair pay, and protection for those working in hazardous conditions.  

Meanwhile, as delivery riders have become an indispensable part of daily life, particularly during the pandemic, Senator Go has pushed for Senate Bill No. 1184, the Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act, which seeks to protect them from exploitation and ensure their rights and welfare.

Ensuring fair wages across all sectors remains a top priority. As a co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2534, Senator Go supports the proposed PhP 100 daily minimum wage hike nationwide, a critical measure in light of rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. 

“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay nyo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” said Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.

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