Bong Go eyes better livelihood programs

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the government to provide Filipinos with better livelihood programs to help them recover from the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The senator made the appeal as he provided aid to 192 displaced workers in Tuburan, Cebu on January 23 in partnership with Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante.

All beneficiaries received snacks, vitamins, and masks, while there were select recipients of shoes, a mobile phone, shirts, basketballs and volleyballs.

Some of the beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program.

Go lauded the DoLE for implementing assistance programs, such as Tupad which supports individuals whose jobs have been affected by the crisis.

“The Tupad program exemplifies the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of those who need it the most,” he said in a video message.

“By extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable sectors, we create an environment where every Filipino can strive for a better future.”

Go filed Senate Bill (SB) 420 that seeks to provide short-term employment opportunities to eligible individuals from poor rural areas.

Under SB 420, the Rural Employment Assistance Program would be established under the jurisdiction of the DoLE.

The program provides temporary employment options to individuals who qualify based on criteria such as economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or seasonal employment.