Press Release - Supporting tourism sector for economic recovery, Bong Go provides aid to Samal Island tour guides

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go reiterated his call for stronger government efforts for economic recovery, especially for those residing in economically disadvantaged communities throughout the country. He highlighted the role of tourism in boosting the economy and providing livelihood to communities.

On Thursday, November 23, Go's team, in coordination with the Samal Island Gabay Association, held a relief activity in Barangay Peñaplata at the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), Davao del Norte for 50 tour guides.

All tour guides received shirts, vitamins, masks, and balls for basketball and volleyball while there were select recipients of a mobile phone, a pair of shoes, and a watch from the senator's office.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended livelihood grants to the qualified beneficiaries.

"Marami man po ang nawalan ng trabaho pero kami po, bilang inyong public servants, hindi po kami titigil sa paghahatid ng serbisyong nararapat po sa inyo. Kailangan lang po namin ng inyong koordinasyon at disiplina para mas mapabilis pa ang ating pagbabalik sa normal na pamumuhay," remarked Go in a video message.

Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Tourism, underscored the pivotal role of tourism in fortifying economic recovery, emphasizing the need for sustained government support in the said sector.

"Ako po, bilang miyembro ng Senate Committee on Tourism, willing po akong sumuporta sa abot ng aking makakaya, kung ano pa ang mas magpapaganda para ma-encourage natin ang mga turista na pumunta dito," cited Go.

"Tourism will help generate jobs. Trabaho para maka-recover tayo sa pandemya. Marami ang apektado noong pandemya, kaya nga noong panahon ng pandemya lubos ang pagtulong naming mga opisyal," he reassured.

Go emphasized the ongoing initiatives aimed at mitigating the economic repercussions on ordinary Filipinos and assisting local communities in their recovery.

Republic Act 11960, also referred to as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, was co-authored and co-sponsored by Go. It shall serve as a government stimulus program to encourage the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country