Press Release - Bong Go provides support and assistance to displaced workers in Digos City, Davao del Sur

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has consistently pushed for more livelihood opportunities for poor Filipinos, acknowledging how the pandemic has adversely impacted their jobs. On Thursday, November 23, Go gave assistance to displaced workers in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

In coordination with Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas, Go's team assisted a total of 198 individuals at the Provincial Capitol and provided snacks, shirts, vitamins, and balls for basketball and volleyball. They also gave select recipients a pair of shoes, a mobile phone, and a watch.

Meanwhile, the qualified beneficiaries received livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

"Ang TUPAD ay hindi lamang isang programa; ito'y nagbibigay pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan nito, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya," he stressed further.

To further promote the welfare of Filipino workers affected by crises and ensure that those who reside in rural areas lacking job opportunities are taken care of, Go filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, which seeks to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households. Under the proposed legislation, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be created within the DOLE.

If this bill is enacted into law, REAP's primary objective would be to offer temporary job opportunities to individuals who meet the criteria for economic disadvantage, poverty, displacement, or seasonal employment.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has consistently underscored the crucial need to enhance and broaden the country's healthcare system, ensuring that medical services are accessible to underserved communities. He has been pushing for the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide.

The Super Health Center is a medium version of a polyclinic yet an improved version of the rural health unit. The services that will be available