Displaced workers receive assistance
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to provide assistance to more Filipinos whose livelihood has been adversely affected by the global health crisis as he dispatched his Malasakit Team to Tuburan, Cebu, on Tuesday, January 23.
In a video message, Go stressed the need for the government to push for more initiatives to provide Filipinos with better livelihood opportunities to help them recover.
The Malasakit Team partnered with Mayor Aljun Diamante and provided assistance to 192 displaced workers at the municipal hall. All beneficiaries received snacks, vitamins, and masks, while there were select recipients of shoes, a mobile phone, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball.
The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) Workers program.
Go commended the DOLE for effectively implementing various assistance programs, such as TUPAD which has significantly contributed to supporting individuals whose jobs have been impacted by crisis situations. He likewise maintained his support, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the needs of the economically challenged community.
"The TUPAD program exemplifies the government's commitment to uplifting the lives of those who need it the most. By extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable sectors, we create an environment where every Filipino can strive for a better future," said Go.
Moreover, the lawmaker highlighted his proposed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420 that advocates for the establishment of a system designed to provide short-term employment opportunities to eligible individuals from disadvantaged rural households. Under the proposed legislation, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established under the jurisdiction of DOLE.
If legislated, the primary aim of REAP is to provide temporary employment options to individuals who qualify based on criteria such as economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or seasonal employment.
Go also promoted the Malasakit Centers program, which he initiated in Cebu in 2018. As the head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged Cebuanos to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers in the province if they need medical assistance from the government.
In Cebu City, residents may visit Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital. There are also Malasakit Centers at Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.
Go principally sponsored and authored the Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, aimed to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. According to DOH, the 159 Malasakit Centers have assisted around ten million Filipinos.
Go also expressed his support for constructing Super Health Centers nationwide, including 21 centers in the province. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of essential health services, database management, out-patient care, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical units. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible.
As the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, along with backing from the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and collaborative efforts from local government units, and fellow legislators, ample funding was secured in the 2022 national budget to establish 307 Super Health Centers. Furthermore, more funds were allocated in the 2023 budget for 322 additional Super Health Centers. Additionally, 132 Super Health Centers received funding in 2024.