On Thursday, November 21, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended significant aid to a thousand persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are low income earners in Parañaque City, bolstering inclusive economic recovery while advocating for more livelihood opportunities for the urban poor.
Held at the Parañaque Sports Complex, 1,000 beneficiaries received snacks, masks, food packs, vitamins, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs from Go and his Malasakit Team. Additionally, select beneficiaries received a bicycle, shoes, a mobile phone, and a watch.
“Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa akin. Sa totoo lang po, ako ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo ako ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” he said during his message to the workers.
Through the collective efforts of Go, national agencies, and the local government of Parañaque City led by Mayor Eric Olivarez, each qualified beneficiary also received financial support from the government.
Go acknowledged Congressman Edwin Olivarez, Mayor Eric Olivarez, Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte, and the city councilors for their collaboration and assistance.
The senator motivated the beneficiaries to maximize the aid provided, advocating for diligence and perseverance.
“Mahalaga ang bawat patak ng pawis sa pag-asenso. Gamitin ninyo ang mga oportunidad na ito bilang hakbang patungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” he emphasized.
Go continues to champion inclusivity and accessibility in various sectors, co-authoring and filing significant pieces of legislation to address these needs. One such measure is Senate Bill No. 777, which seeks to enhance accessibility in voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. This proposed legislation aims to eliminate barriers and ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of age or physical condition, can exercise their right to vote with ease and dignity.
In line with his advocacy, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2789, which focuses on the welfare of para-athletes. This bill highlights the need to provide para-athletes with the support and opportunities necessary to thrive, recognizing their vital contributions to Philippine sports and their role in bringing pride to the country through international competitions.
To further promote Filipino workers’ welfare, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 1705, which proposes to increase the service incentive leave of private sector employees. He also filed Senate Bill No. 1707, which seeks to provide competitive remuneration and compensation packages to social workers in the country if enacted into law.
Go likewise filed Senate Bill No. 2107, or the “Freelance Workers Protection Act,” which seeks to provide protection and incentives for freelance workers. If passed, the measure aims to recognize freelance workers’ rights and ensure they are protected and adequately compensated for their services.
In addition, Go co-authored and supported Senate Bill No. 2534, which proposes a nationwide increase in the daily minimum wage by PhP 100, to alleviate the economic strain on Filipino families.
To address the needs of rural areas lacking job opportunities, Go filed Senate Bill No. 420, which aims to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households willing to perform unskilled physical labor for a limited time.
The senator also emphasized his commitment to healthcare, urging those in need of medical attention to seek help from the government through any of the 32 Malasakit Centers across Metro Manila. He highlighted the Malasakit Center in Ospital ng Parañaque, which is designed to assist patients in covering their medical expenses.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 166 operational centers have helped more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
He also reminded Filipinos to live with compassion and seize opportunities to help one another.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he said.
“Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” concluded Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to the poor.
On the same day, Go also attended the turnover of ambulances and inauguration of a new Super Health Center in Malvar, Batangas, and provided aid to poor residents in Batangas City.
