SBG reiterates appeal for more livelihood initiatives for poor citizens

Senator Bong Go, in coordination with Congresswoman Ysabel "Bel" Zamora, provided assistance to disadvantaged workers in San Juan City on Tuesday, 7 November.

Go's team visited the city to distribute masks and vitamins to 153 individuals gathered at the San Juan City gymnasium. Some of them also received shoes, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball from the senator.

"Sa totoo lang po, 'wag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n'yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Kaya hinding-hindi ko sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino sa abot ng aking makakaya," he assured.

Go emphasized the critical need to protect the well-being of marginalized laborers, particularly those residing in rural areas who require more livelihood opportunities. With this, he filed Senate Bill No. 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 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.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography encouraged the public to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at San Juan Medical Center or in any of the other 30 Malasakit Centers in Metro Manila.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 159 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH.

The senator also highlighted that he continues to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country. Through the collective efforts of DOH, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under DOH for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. As the lead implementing agency, DOH identifies the strategic areas where these Super Health Centers will be established.

Go, who is also vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the repair of drainages and road improvements in various streets in the city.

"Mga kababayan ko diyan sa San Juan City, andirito lang po ako para makapag serbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot nang aking makakaya. Andirito lang po ang inyong Kuya Bong Go na palaging handa pong tumulong sa inyo," Go reaffirmed.