Press Release - Bong Go assists MSMEs recovering from a fire incident in Davao City

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go's recently provided assistance to micro-entrepreneurs who were affected by a recent fire incident in Barangay 21-C, Davao City in coordination with Barangay Captain Edmundo Altizo, Sr.

Last Thursday, October 26, Go's team gave snacks, shirts, and vitamins to 43 beneficiaries. They also gave away a watch, balls for basketball and volleyball, and pairs of shoes to select recipients.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries to empower them to kick-start their small businesses and help them recover from damages incurred by the fire.

"Ang programang ito ay ating isinulong noong administrasyon ni dating pangulong Duterte at patuloy na sinusuportahan ngayon para matulungan ang ating maliliit na negosyante na naapektuhan ng sakuna at krisis," Go said in a video message.

"Tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng negosyo kits para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan mo ang iyong negosyo at napalago mo ito. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng iyong pamilya," he explained further.

As a lawmaker, Go is advocating for the expansion of livelihood opportunities in rural areas as a fundamental strategy to aid the country in its recovery from the challenges presented by fires and other crises.

A significant initiative among these efforts is the recent passage of Republic Act No. 11960, also known as the "One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act," which Go served as one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This law formalizes the OTOP Philippines Program, a strategic endeavor designed to foster the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. At the core of the program's goals is the utilization of local resources and the preservation of the diverse cultural heritage of the country.

"Isinulong natin ang OTOP law to institutionalize and improve the One Town One Product program. Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang