Fresh legislative proposals, including a bill seeking to reintegrate migrant workers into the economy, were filed by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
He sponsored other bills covering labor protection, education, health services, migration governance, and local development.
Go filed Senate Bill 1776, also known as the National Reintegration Bill, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the return of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and those whose employment contracts abroad have ended.
The proposal aims to consolidate the roles of agencies to support employment, skills recognition, livelihood and access to credit.
Under the measure, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Migrant Workers will be tasked to conduct regular job fairs in strategic locations, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is mandated to recognize OFWs’ education, training, and work experience through appropriate certifications or diplomas.
The bill also provides for business-oriented capacity-building training and access to credit through the Small Business Corp.
“When our OFWs return home, government support must not stop at arrival. It should continue, ensuring they have a clear direction toward stable work and sustainable livelihood,” Go said, stressing the need for coordination among agencies.
Another labor-related proposal, SBN 1778, seeks to grant survivorship benefits to the spouse and dependent children of a deceased retired chairperson, commissioner, or labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission. The measure aims to place NLRC officials on equal footing with members of the judiciary in terms of post-retirement benefits. The bill is intended for refiling following consultations with legal stakeholders and the NLRC group.
Clinics in schools, a must
In the education and youth sector, Go filed SBN 1780, the Mandatory School Clinics Act, which proposes establishing school clinics in every public elementary and secondary school nationwide.
The measure seeks to strengthen basic health services within school premises to address common health concerns among learners. Complementing this are SBN 1781 and SBN 1805, which aim to establish Pintatagan National High School in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, and Barangay San Roque National High School in San Isidro, Davao Oriental, respectively.
“When we address children’s health early — right within the school — they are better prepared to learn and engage in class every day,” the senator said.
Higher education and regional development are covered under SBN 1782, which proposes converting the extension campuses of Davao Oriental State University in Baganga, Cateel and Tarragona into regular campuses. The measure seeks to improve access to higher education in the province by strengthening institutional presence in geographically dispersed areas.
Elderly gets care
Several health-related measures were also included in the fifth batch. SBN 1779, or the Nursing Home for Senior Citizens Act, seeks to establish and institutionalize a nursing home for senior citizens in every region of the country. The proposal aims to assist families in addressing the specialized needs of the elderly.
Go also filed SBN 1783, which seeks to establish the Tigaon Mother and Child General Hospital under the Department of Health (DoH) to provide maternal, neonatal, and pediatric services.
SBN 1784 proposes the creation of a new DoH hospital in Sogod, Southern Leyte, while SBN 1789 seeks to establish the Antipolo-Rizal Tertiary Hospital.