Bong Go champions workers’ welfare, aids displaced workers in Zamboanga City
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate brand of public service, provided support to thousands of displaced workers in Zamboanga City.
Despite a brief power outage, the event proceeded, showcasing the resilience and dedication of Go and his Malasakit Team.
During the activity held at the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Go and his Malasakit Team personally handed out a variety of assistance to 2,652 displaced workers.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided an orientation on the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program that Senator Go has supported together with the local government.
The senator took the opportunity to commend DOLE for their proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged and displaced workers. The TUPAD program, initiated by DOLE and supported by Go, aims to provide emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to those who have lost their jobs or sources of income due to crises.
“This program is vital in providing temporary employment and helping our fellow Filipinos get back on their feet,” Go remarked.
Additionally, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 420 to establish a short-term employment program for eligible individuals from underprivileged households. This proposed measure would create the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to provide temporary employment opportunities to individuals who qualify as economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers.
To further ease the financial burden on Filipino workers, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 2534, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage by P100 nationwide if enacted into law.
Meanwhile, highlighting the importance of teamwork, Go acknowledged the vital roles of local officials in making the event successful: Congressman Khymer Adan Olaso, Mayor John Dalipe, and Vice Mayor Pinpin Pareja, who also initiated a sports event earlier in the day.
In his speech, Go reinforced his commitment to the Filipino people: “Sa gitna ng ating mga pagsubok, nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong suporta at pag-asa para sa inyong lahat. Ako ay patuloy na sumusuporta sa mga programang pro-poor upang matulungan ang bawat isa sa inyo, lalo na ang mga nawalan ng trabaho.”
Meanwhile, Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged those with health issues to seek the services of nearby Malasakit Centers at Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital, should they need medical assistance from the government.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, 165 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has aided more or less ten million Filipinos.
