Press Release - Amid the holiday season, Bong Go sends assistance to displaced workers in Garcia Hernandez in Bohol

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go extended aid to displaced workers from Garcia Hernandez in Bohol on Wednesday, December 20, as part of his efforts to support the country's economic recovery.

In coordination with Board Member Tita Baja, Go's Malasakit Team held the distribution activity at the Garcia Hernandez Gymnasium where they gave away snacks and shirts to 195 displaced workers.

The beneficiaries also qualified for temporary employment support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after completing DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program.

Go underscored the importance of safeguarding the welfare of marginalized workers, particularly those residing in rural areas who require improved economic prospects.

Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, filed by Go, proposes the establishment of a system designed to provide short-term employment opportunities for eligible individuals from disadvantaged rural households. Within the DOLE, the suggested legislation envisions the creation of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP).

Should this bill be enacted, the primary aim of REAP would be to furnish temporary job opportunities to individuals meeting criteria related to economic hardship, 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 in a video message.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, supported individuals requiring healthcare services. He advised them to seek assistance at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay, where Malasakit Centers are ready to assist them in managing their medical expenses.

Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 aims to provide indigent Filipino patients with convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of