Senator Christopher “Bong” Go extended his congratulations to the graduates under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which he supported in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday, January 17.
In his message, Senator Go emphasized the transformative power of TESDA programs, stating, “TESDA is instrumental in honing the skills of our fellow Filipinos, providing them with the tools they need to seize livelihood opportunities.” He added, “It is through programs like these that we can uplift our communities and drive economic progress.”
He also supported the collaboration between TESDA and local institutions, highlighting how partnerships play a crucial role in providing scholarships and empowering communities.
“Ang inyong tagumpay ay tagumpay din ng bayan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong programa, natutulungan natin ang ating mga kababayan na makahanap ng trabaho at makapagbigay ng kontribusyon sa ating ekonomiya,” Senator Go added.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Embarcadero Mall where Senator Go’s Malasakit Team, in coordination with Acting Governor Glenda Bongao distributed snacks, food packs, vitamins, fans, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to the 1,000 graduates hailing from Cebu Call Center Academy – Legazpi City. Select recipients also received a bicycle, a watch, and a mobile phone.
As his advocacy extends beyond support for current TESDA trainees, Senator Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2115, which aims to institutionalize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents. The bill focuses on equipping these individuals with competitive skills to improve their employment and entrepreneurial prospects if enacted.
The recent enactment of Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act reflects Senator Go’s commitment to protecting Filipinos’ dignity during crises. The law, which he co-sponsored and co-authored, provides temporary financial relief for students with outstanding loans during calamities.
During the event, Senator Go encouraged the graduates to make the most of their newly acquired skills and to continue striving for success. “Ang mga kasanayan na inyong natutunan dito ay magagamit ninyo sa pagbuo ng mas maunlad na kinabukasan,” he said.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go also reiterated his support for more health programs that aim to uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, ensuring that health services are not only accessible but also affordable for everyone. He has been instrumental in pushing for health infrastructure development, as well as improved access to medical assistance programs through the Malasakit Centers which he initiated.
Signed into law in 2019, the Malasakit Centers Act, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, seeks to provide Filipinos with convenient access to medical programs. Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers have been established, and more than 15 million Filipinos have benefitted from the program, according to the Department of Health.
In Albay, Malasakit Center is located at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Legazpi City.
“Patuloy kong isusulong ang mga programa na magdadala ng serbisyo sa bawat sulok ng bansa. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Panginoon,” Senator Go concluded, affirming his unwavering commitment to serving the Filipino people as Mr. Malasakit.
