Press Release - Bong Go pushes for livelihood programs for the impoverished as his Malasakit team gives aid to displaced workers in Talisay City, Cebu

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go extended his support to displaced workers in Talisay City, Cebu on Friday, December 29, in coordination with Congresswoman Rhea Gullas, Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, and Vice Mayor Richard Francis "Choy" Aznar.

"Nais kong bigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng pagtuon sa mga programang magpapalago ng trabaho para sa ating ekonomiya. Sa panahon ng krisis at pagsubok, mahalaga na magkaisa tayo sa pagbibigay ng suporta sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan," urged Go in a video message.

"Ang paglikha ng sapat na oportunidad sa trabaho ay susi sa ating pagbangon at pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan," he continued.

The relief activity was held at the Talisay City Hall. Go's Malasakit Team provided snacks, masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 192 displaced workers. There were also select recipients of a cellular phone and pairs of shoes.

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

Meanwhile, 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 offered further assistance to those with health issues. He mentioned that there is a Malasakit Center located at Talisay District Hospital where they may avail of medical assistance from the government.

Established in 2018, the Malasakit Centers were created as one-stop shops that consolidate various government medical assistance programs, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health