Senator Christopher "Bong" Go assisted displaced workers in Garcia Hernandez, Bohol on Thursday, 26 October, as part of his initiative to support efforts to fast-track and promote inclusive economic recovery.
Go's team, in coordination with Mayor Jess Baja, conducted a relief activity at Barangay Cayam Gymnasium where they provided snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 209 displaced workers.
The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after they have completed DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
"Maraming salamat, Senator Bong Go sa inyong ipinaabot na tulong sa bayan ng Garcia Hernandez at sa programa na TUPAD. Maraming maraming salamat, senator," Mayor Baja said during the gathering.
For his part, Go emphasized the critical need to protect the well-being of marginalized laborers, particularly those residing in rural areas who require more economic opportunities.
With this, Go filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420 which proposes the establishment of a system aimed at providing short-term employment opportunities for eligible individuals from underprivileged rural households. Under the proposed legislation, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be created within the DOLE.
If this bill is enacted into law, REAP's primary objective would be to offer temporary job opportunities to individuals who meet the criteria for economic disadvantage, poverty, displacement, or seasonal employment.
"Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino," Go said.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered additional assistance to residents with medical concerns. He advised them to visit the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City or the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay, where there are Malasakit Centers ready to help them should they need assistance with their medical bills.
Principally authored and sponsored by Go, the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to provide poor and indigent Filipino patients with convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Go highlighted as well that necessary funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in the province, such as in Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, and Ubay.
These Super Health Centers aim to address the growing healthcare needs of communities and improve the provision of primary care, medical consultations, and early disease detection. Through the collective efforts of local government units and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 Super Health Centers in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built.
Go also took note of the enactment of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. Go is a principal sponsor and one of the authors of this law in the Senate.
RA 11959, which was recently signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., is a significant step in bringing specialized medical care closer to underserved rural areas. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, stressing the government's commitment to enhancing access to healthcare across the country.
Still in line with his efforts to strengthen the province's health sector, Go also principally sponsored the passage of RA 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex.
To further enhance the delivery of public service, Go vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon, and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe.
On the same day, more displaced workers from various towns were assisted by Go's team, including Guindulman, Alicia, Anda, Mabini, Duero, Loboc, Carmen, and Batuan.