Bong Go vows anew to advance welfare of Filipino women

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the well-being of Filipino women and acknowledging their essential role in the growth of the nation as the country observes National Women’s Month this March.

In an interview after personally assisting residents in Arayat, Pampanga on Thursday, March 9, Go paid tribute to all women for their nurturing care and selflessness.

“Isang mainit na pagbati at pagpupugay sa lahat ng mga kababaihan — mga nanay, mga tita, mga lola — sa ating paggunita ng Women’s Month ngayong Marso. Happy Women’s Month po,” said Go.

The senator emphasized that half of the country’s population are women and that their contributions to the country are significant, from fighting for women’s rights to driving economic growth and development.

“Wala tayo sa mundong ito kundi dahil sa ating mga ina. Utang natin sa kanila ang ating buhay at kanilang pag-aruga. Walang makakapantay po sa pagmamahal ng isang tunay na ina na handang isakripisyo ang lahat para lang sa kanyang pamilya,” said Go.

“Kalahati po ng ating populasyon ay kababaihan. Napakalaki ng kanilang kontribusyon sa bansa, mula sa pagsusulong sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan, hanggang sa pag-unlad ng ating pamumuhay at ekonomiya,” he added.

He also expressed his support for programs and policies that would provide a better life for women. These include Republic Act No. 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.

“Asahan n’yo po ang aking suporta sa Senado sa abot ng aking makakaya sa mga programa at batas na magbibigay ng mas maginhawang buhay sa ating mga kababaihan,” he said.

“Katulad na lang po sa pagsulong natin sa Solo Parents Act na kung saan karamihan sa kanila ay mga kababaihan po, mga solo parents po,” noted Go.

According to the law, the government should develop a comprehensive program called Package of Social Protection Services for solo parents and their children.

Various government agencies are required to be involved in this program to carry out services and advocate for solo parents, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and Department of Education, to name a few.

Some of the benefits that solo parents will now enjoy include additional financial assistance for those earning minimum wage and below; 10% discount on basic necessities such as food and micronutrient supplements, diapers, and duly prescribed medicines for solo parents earning less than P250,000 annually; and prioritization in housing and livelihood programs from the government, among others.

Go then assured the women of the country that he will help in fighting for their rights, emphasizing his commitment to promoting gender equality.

“Rest assured po na nandito lang po ako, bilang inyong senador, na ipaglalaban po ang inyong karapatan bilang kababaihan,” he concluded.