Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has expressed the need for stronger government interventions to provide more livelihood opportunities, particularly for those who have been adversely affected by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go's team visited Baliuag City, Bulacan on Friday, 1 September, and coordinated with Congresswoman Augustina "Tina" Pancho and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide assistance to 269 disadvantaged workers.

Conducted at the Barangay Pinagbarilan covered court, Go's team provided snacks and shirts to all beneficiaries while they also gave away shoes, mobile phones, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients.

Meanwhile, the qualified beneficiaries also received livelihood support from DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

"Nais kong magpadala ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa TUPAD ng DOLE. Sa gitna ng kinakaharap nating krisis sa kalusugan, ang TUPAD ay naging isang malaking tulong sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng pandemya," Go said.

"Ang TUPAD ay hindi lamang isang programa; ito'y nagbibigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan nito, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaruon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya," he stressed further.

Furthermore, Go has been instrumental in pushing for the passage of Republic Act No. 11960, also known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. This law, authored and co-sponsored by Go in the Senate, aims to promote entrepreneurship and local economic development by showcasing and supporting unique products from each town around the country.

The OTOP program encourages Filipinos to take pride in their local products, providing a platform for small-scale producers to access a wider market.

Go highlighted the OTOP program's potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth in communities, and empower Filipinos to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. The senator added that by promoting and investing in locally made products, the OTOP Philippines Act can help revitalize local economies and provide sustainable livelihoods for countless individuals and families across the country.