Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in partnership with the local government of Catarman, Northern Samar, extended assistance to 639 market vendors at the Catarman Public Market on 22 January.

Collaborating with Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III, Vice Mayor Francisco Rosales Jr., and market manager Dr. Arlan Ong, Go’s Malasakit Team distributed snacks, shirts, vitamins, shoes, a mobile phone, basketballs, and volleyballs to vendors. The initiative also facilitated livelihood support through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

In a video message, Senator Go emphasized the importance of providing rural communities with job opportunities to boost economic recovery. He cited his legislative proposal, Senate Bill No. 420, which seeks to establish the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) under DOLE. The program aims to create temporary employment for low-income households in rural areas through community-based projects.

“Sa kakaikot ko sa bansa, nakita ko kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan. Lalo na sa mga walang-wala, ‘yung mga hopeless at helpless (In my travels around the country, I’ve seen how important it is to provide jobs for our fellow citizens, especially those who have nothing — the hopeless and helpless),” Go stated.

Go underscored the vital role of market vendors in the local economy, calling them essential to ensuring the steady flow of goods and services. “Ang ating mga market vendors ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating ekonomiya. Nararapat lang na mabigyan sila ng sapat na suporta upang mapanatili ang kanilang kabuhayan (Our market vendors are an essential part of our economy. They deserve adequate support to sustain their livelihoods),” he said.

He concluded by thanking the public for their trust and support, reaffirming his commitment to serve.