Displaced workers in Cortes town receive Malasakit assistance
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
Sen. Go, who is famous as Mr. Malasakit, emphasized the importance of unity between national and local governments to improve the lives of Filipino citizens saying, "Napakahalaga ng pagkakaisa ng pambansa upang mas mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan.”
Aid to displaced workers
The aid activity took place at the municipal gymnasium of Cortes where 111 displaced workers received essential items such as shirts, vitamins, masks, basketballs, volleyballs, and snacks. The distribution was part of a broader effort to support workers who recently qualified the program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
The TUPAD program is designed to mitigate the adverse economic effects of unemployment by providing temporary employment opportunities, particularly those affected by natural calamities and other crises.
Go reassured the recipients of his dedication to supporting further the said government programs that creates employment opportunities for the poor.
As part of his legislative advocacy, he encouraged the displaced workers to leverage the skills gained from initiatives like TUPAD to find better jobs and improve their living conditions. He also pointed out his advocacy through Senate Bill No. 420, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), which seeks to offer temporary employment to those in dire economic situations.
Additionally, he mentioned Senate Bill No. 2534 or the Wage Increase Bill, which proposes a P100 daily minimum wage increase nationwide to help economically vulnerable individuals cope with escalating prices.
Healthcare assistance
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go urged the public to avail of the assistance from the Malasakit centers at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City, Bislig District Hospital, Lianga District Hospital, and the nearby center at Butuan Medical Center. These centers, established through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 which Go principally authored and sponsored, were built to reduce hospital costs for impoverished patients.
“According to the Department of Health, there are currently 166 Malasakit centers nationwide which have assisted around ten million Filipinos,” Go noted.
Go’s recent initiative in Cortes town is a testament to the ongoing efforts to support displaced workers through government programs like TUPAD. By collaborating with local government units and advocating for legislative measures, he continues to work towards creating employment opportunities and providing essential healthcare services. His dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos, particularly the economically vulnerable, highlights the importance of unity and compassion in governance.
Meanwhile, the senator also visited Bislig City on July 2 and provided aid to the 23 cooperatives in the Caraga region during the ‘Malasakit Sa Kooperatiba’ program launching and led the ceremonial payout of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to 2,000 beneficiaries who each received P2,500. The beneficiaries came from the city of Bislig, and the municipalities of Lingig, HInatuan, Tagbina, and Barobo, all under the 2nd district of Surigao del Sur. (NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
