Press Release - Bong Go helps uplift lives of displaced workers in Batangas City and Taal, Batangas

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, adopted son of CALABARZON and has familial ties to the Tesoro clan of Batangas, provided assistance to disadvantaged workers in Batangas City and Taal on Thursday, January 11.

Go's Malasakit Team coordinated with Board Members Arlina Magboo and Claudette Amdida, and Taal Mayor Fulgencio Mercado and held the relief activities at the Batangas City Session Hall and Escuela Pia in Taal. A total of 269 disadvantaged workers received masks, vitamins, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball. There were also select recipients of shoes and a watch.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also provided support to said beneficiaries after they have completed the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for temporary employment to qualified beneficiaries.

"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," Go encouraged in a video message.

Go also emphasized the importance of protecting the welfare of disadvantaged workers, particularly those in rural areas who require additional employment opportunities.

In response, the lawmaker filed Senate Bill No. 420, which advocates for setting up a framework to offer short-term job opportunities for qualified individuals from low-income rural families. The bill proposes the creation of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) within the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Should this bill become a law, REAP would primarily focus on providing temporary employment options to those who qualify based on economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or reliance on seasonal work.

"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, also urged the