Bong Go extends aid to displaced workers in Carcar

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Christopher  Bong  Go reached out to assist displaced workers in Carcar City, Cebu on Tuesday, September 10.

Working closely with Perrelos Barangay Captain Schubert Veloso, Go s Malasakit Team conducted an outreach program aimed at easing the burden on those who have lost their jobs.

"Sa kabila ng mga hamon na ating kinakaharap, nais kong iparating ang aking buong suporta at pag-asa para sa inyo. Ang gobyerno ay patuloy na nagsusumikap na magbigay ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan, lalo na sa mga nawalan ng hanapbuhay," Go expressed in his message.

Kami ay naririto upang tumulong at maglingkod. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa, sapagkat kami ay katuwang ninyo sa bawat hakbang ng inyong pagbangon,  he added, emphasizing his commitment to public service as his personal  bisyo.

Held at the Barangay Perrelos Gymnasium, Go s Malasakit Team provided aid to 93 displaced workers, distributing snacks, shirts, vitamins, basketballs, and volleyballs. Select individuals also received shoes, further brightening the day for many.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted a briefing on the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, offering a pathway for emergency employment to those affected by the economic downturn. Senator Go lauded DOLE s efforts in swiftly responding to the needs of the displaced workers, underscoring the importance of such initiatives.

The TUPAD program, supported by Go, is designed to provide short-term employment opportunities, allowing beneficiaries to earn while contributing to community improvement projects. It serves as a crucial safety net for those who have lost their primary means of livelihood.

In his continuous effort to uplift the marginalized sectors, Go has also pushed for the passage of Senate Bill No. 420, which proposes the creation of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP). If passed, REAP will offer temporary employment to individuals from disadvantaged communities, further extending the reach of government support.

Beyond employment assistance, Senator Go, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, continues to champion accessible healthcare through the Malasakit Centers initiative. In his message, he encouraged Carcar residents to make use of the services provided by the Malasakit Center located at Cebu Provincial Hospital in the city.

The Malasakit Centers, which Go initiated in 2018, serve as a one-stop-shop for medical assistance, consolidating services from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under one roof.

Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital, and Cebu City Medical Center, all in Cebu City. Meanwhile, there are other Malasakit Centers at Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City.(CEBU NEWS)