Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's team coordinated with Mayor Ramil Ventenilla's office to provide necessary assistance to micro-entrepreneurs in Mangatarem, Pangasinan on Monday, 20 November.

During his team's distribution activity at Shahani Complex, Go's team assisted 33 small business owners and provided them with snacks, masks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. There were also select recipients of shoes and a mobile phone.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) extended livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries to empower them to kick-start their small businesses and promote economic growth in their community.

"Ang programang ito ng DTI ay ating isinulong noong administrasyon ni dating pangulong Duterte at sinusuportahan ko pa rin ngayon para maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa ating maliliit na negosyante na naapektuhan ng sakuna at krisis," Go, adopted son of Pangasinan, said in a video message.

"Bibigyan kayo ng negosyo kits para palaguin ang inyong kabuhayan. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan mo ang iyong negosyo at napalago mo ito. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng iyong pamilya," he explained further.

As a legislator, Go advocates for the creation of additional livelihood opportunities in rural areas, viewing it as a crucial strategy to facilitate the country's recovery from the adversities presented by the pandemic and other crises.

Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, which institutionalizes the OTOP Philippines Program, designed specifically to nurture the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

The OTOP Program revolves around the concept of identifying and promoting unique products from different towns and municipalities. By doing so, it not only fosters entrepreneurship but also harnesses local resources while preserving the nation's cultural heritage. This approach helps micro-businesses gain visibility, access markets, and enhance their competitiveness, thereby contributing to economic resilience.

"Majority ng mga registered businesses sa bansa ay mga MSMEs — mga maliliit na negosyo. Mas i-encourage natin ang pagiging business-minded ng mga Pilipino para magkaroon ng maayos na pagkakakitaan. Noong kasagsagan ng pandemya, maraming nawalan ng trabaho pero nakita natin na magaling dumiskarte ang Pilipino, maraming nagnegosyo para buhayin ang kanilang pamilya," said Go in a video message.