Go vows better services for OFWs

Former special assistant to the president and aspiring senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) he would work to provide them with better and faster services.

The former top aide gave the message last Sunday while visiting OFWs and other overseas-based Filipinos in Hong Kong’s Deep Water Bay Public Beach and Central District.

Go was welcomed by about 2,500 attendees, comprised of OFWs, Philippine officials in Hong Kong and other Filipinos residing in the area. Go took selfies with event attendees, interacted with them and listened to their concerns. He greatly appreciated the hospitality shown by his fellow Filipinos.

“We love our fellow Filipinos, the OFWs, you know that. That’s why we’re here, occasionally hanging out with you, to listen to your grievances and make things lighter even for a while,” Go stated. “I know that Sunday is your day off. Many thanks to the Hong Kong OFW (community), for your warm welcome.”

Go said that one of the ways to fasttrack transactions of OFWs is by helping the Philippine government create a Department of OFWs, focused solely on attending to OFW needs and concerns.

“You know that President Duterte really loves our OFWs. First of all, we will push for the Department of OFWs so their needs will be addressed,” Go told the audience.

Currently, OFWs process different transactions at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment and Commission on Filipino Overseas under the Office of the President, to name a few.

Integrating multiple services in one agency will help OFWs save time and resources as the agency will cut across department boundaries and lessen red tape.

Go also spoke about his intention of helping returning OFWs who plan to work and stay in the Philippines for good.

“The sadness of being separated from family cannot be compensated, that’s why we’re working on reintegration programs so you’ll no longer have to work abroad,” Go said.

Go took time to share his legislative agenda for family members that OFWs left in the Philippines. He plans to help build more Malasakit Centers as well as provide senior citizens with better benefits.

“At Malasakit Center, we’ve streamlined the government agencies that give medical help,” Go explained, assuring OFWs and other Filipinos who reside in Hong Kong that he and President Duterte only aim to work for the benefit of the Filipino people.