Press Release - 'Ilapit ang serbisyo sa tao' -- Bong Go assists more than half a thousand displaced workers, inspects ongoing progress of Super Health Center in Panglao, Bohol

On Wednesday, June 5, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go visited Panglao, Bohol, to support displaced workers and inspect the ongoing construction of the Super Health Center in the area.

During the event held at Barangay Tawala Covered Court, Go addressed the crowd with heartfelt thanks to the community of Bohol.

"Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Sa totoo lang po, ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n'yo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo," he said.

Go also lauded the local government of Panglao for its support and dedication to bringing government services closer to its constituents, including Mayor Edgardo Arcay and Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos.

Go, and his Malasakit Team distributed grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, masks, and shirts to 522 displaced workers during his visit. There were also select recipients of bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, watches, and basketballs and volleyballs.

Through Go's initiative of bringing public services closer to the grassroots and in collaboration with various agencies, the beneficiaries could also avail themselves of various government programs.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided temporary employment to qualified displaced workers through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

"Nandito po ang ating DOLE para sa programang TUPAD para bigyan kayo ng pansamantalang trabaho. Palakpakan naman natin ang ating mga empleyado ng DOLE," expressed Go.

The lawmaker has also filed Senate Bill No. 420 to institutionalize the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers if enacted into law.

Moreover, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered additional help to the residents needing medical assistance through the two Malasakit Centers in Bohol located at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial and Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized