Press Release - Bong Go helps uplift lives of displaced workers in Sorsogon City; continues to help improve public service delivery in the grassroots

In a bid to create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos adversely affected by crisis situations, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go visited Sorsogon City on Friday, November 24, and personally provided assistance to 490 displaced workers.

Held at Barangay Macabog covered court, Go, together with Congresswoman Bernadette Escudero, Board Member Rommel John "Junjun" Mella, and Macabog Barangay Captain Ronaldo "Jecjec" Laguiado, distributed grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins to the displaced workers. They also gave away bicycles, shoes, cellular phones, watches, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), also provided livelihood assistance to the qualified beneficiaries.

"Parati naman po akong tumutulong not only sa Sorsogon, sa Naga, sa Legazpi, sa Albay, sa Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate... handa po akong tumulong parati sa abot ng aking makakaya sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan," said Go in an interview.

"Dahil yan po ang aking ipinangako, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pillipinas basta kaya po ng aking katawan at panahon, pupuntahan namin kayo para makatulong sa mga proyektong magpapaunlad ng lungsod, makatulong sa mga mahihirap, makatulong sa pangkalusugan at makabigay po ng kaunting kasiyahan sa panahon ng pagdadalamhati ng ating mga kababayan... sa abot po ng aking makakaya tutulong po ako sa ating kapwa Pilipino," he stressed.

Go emphasized the importance of safeguarding the well-being of marginalized laborers, especially those living in rural areas seeking improved economic prospects.

Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, filed by Go, proposes the creation of a system aimed at providing short-term job opportunities for eligible individuals from underprivileged households in rural regions. Within the context of this proposed law, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established under DOLE. Should this bill be enacted, REAP's primary goal would be to provide temporary employment opportunities for individuals who meet the criteria of being economically