Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continuously expressed support for livelihood programs by the government as he personally assisted displaced workers in Minalin, Pampanga, on Thursday, July 18.
In partnership with Congresswoman Anna York Bondoc, Minalin Mayor Philip Naguit, and Vice Mayor Rondon Mercado, Go’s Malasakit Team held a gathering at the Sta. Rita Covered Court, where 500 Kapampangans received financial aid, food packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts, and basketballs and volleyballs. There were also select recipients of a bicycle, a mobile phone, a watch, and shoes.
Furthermore, through Go’s initiative in collaboration with the local officials and the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE), qualified laborers will benefit from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
“Nais kong magpasalamat sa DOLE para sa kanilang TUPAD program. Ito ay malaking tulong para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa panahon ng mga pagsubok na ating kinakaharap,” Go expressed.
“Ang TUPAD program ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga ating mga kababayan na mabigyan ng pansamantalang trabaho na makakatulong din sa komunidad. Ito ay isang halimbawa ng pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ng gobyerno at ng ating mga mamamayan para malampasan ang mga pagsubok na kinakaharap natin,” he cited.
The TUPAD program gives opportunities to individuals facing economic hardships. It is a community-based assistance package designed to provide emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal laborers.
Furthermore, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 420 to institutionalize a program providing short-term employment to eligible individuals from underprivileged households. Within the framework of this proposed measure, a program called the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be created. If enacted into law, 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.
Go, who serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, likewise encouraged the public to utilize the Malasakit Centers in the province, including Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital in Guagua, Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City, and the Malasakit Centers at Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital and the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital and Diagnostic Center, both in San Fernando City.
Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.
There are currently 166 Malasakit Centers that have helped approximately ten million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 and later institutionalized it through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored.
Go then recognized other officials during his visit, including Governor Delta Pineda, Vice Governor Nanay Pineda, Provincial Board Members Rolando Pol Balingit, Nelson Calara, and Sto. Tomas Mayor John Sambo, and provincial councilors, among others, for their unwavering support to bring government services closer to people.
Mayor Naguit expressed his appreciation to the Senator for his continued support to the Minaliños saying, “Lubos akong nagagalak sa pagkakataon na ito na magpasalamat sa ating mahal na senador, Senator Bong Go…bisyo ang mag sebrisyo, ang ating Mr. Malasakit, salamat po sa inyong walang sawa na pag suporta at muling pag bisita sa aming bayan.”
“Noong 2022, sa una po ninyong pag bisita sa amin ay namahagi kayo ng educational assistance para sa mga college students. Senator, ang inyo pong mga natulungan ay graduate na ngayon. Maraming salamat po, Senator Bong Go. Napakalaki at napaka lawak ng Pilipinas pero para sa isang senador na muling maka balik sa aming lugar, isang malaking karangalan po ito na hinding-hindi namin makakalimutan,” he added.
As the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported various infrastructure projects in Minalin, such as the construction and upgrading of the road with drainage in Barangay Santa Maria, the construction of the Multi-purpose Building, the repair of the Multi-Purpose cum Library, River wall cum boardwalk, and the Water System Project for Coastal barangays.
Previously, Go was honored by the provincial government of Pampanga for promoting the welfare and interest of the province through Resolution No. 7643-A. Similarly, former President Rodrigo Duterte was declared the province’s “adopted son” by Resolution No. 7643 in recognition of his significant contributions to Pampanga’s growth and prosperity during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” emphasized Go, affectionately known as Mr. Malasakit for his dedication to aiding Filipinos in need.
On the same day, Go attended the groundbreaking of the Legislative Hall in Minalin and the inauguration of the town’s Super Health Center which he both supported. He also aided workers and indigent mothers in Macabebe, Pampanga.
