On Monday, August 26, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Team visited San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, during the town’s 9th Kalumonan Festival celebration, to aid disadvantaged workers.
Kalumonan Festival has been celebrated to reminisce and keep alive the spirit of the close kinship of Kamayos, the native population of San Agustin. In a video message, Go lauded the local celebration that showcases the country’s rich culture and heritage.
“Patuloy ang aking suporta sa ating lalawigan. Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, mananatili ang aking serbisyo sa inyong lahat. Gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya upang tulungan at suportahan ang Surigao del Sur,” he added.
San Agustin is also home to the Britania Group of Islands. These islands have been a top tourist destination, known for their powdery, white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The island group’s name is taken from the barangay where it belongs, Barangay Britania.
In support of local businesses, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. The OTOP program encourages Filipinos to take pride in their local products, providing a platform for small-scale producers to access a wider market. By focusing on local specialties, the program aims to elevate the livelihoods of communities and contribute to the nation’s overall economic progress.
Go highlighted the employment potential and capacity for driving economic advancement within communities through the OTOP program. The senator emphasized that by endorsing and investing in locally crafted goods, the OTOP Philippines Act has the potential to greatly benefit local economies and create enduring livelihoods for numerous individuals and families nationwide.
“Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” he explained.
Go’s Malasakit Team distributed snacks, masks, vitamins, sling bags, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to 500 beneficiaries gathered at the municipal gym. There were also select recipients of shoes, a mobile phone, and a watch.
Go also collaborated with the local officials led by Mayor Nicholas Alameda, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in conducting an orientation for qualified displaced workers, introducing them to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
“May dala rin kaming kaunting tulong sa inyo ngayong araw na ito. Kayo po ang napili na bibigyan ng pansamantalang trabaho ng DOLE sa pamamagitan ng TUPAD program. Ang programang ito ay isinulong natin upang mabigyan ng pansamantalang trabaho ang ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng kabuhayan,” Go explained.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go extended aid to affected residents who may need medical assistance. The senator cited the Malasakit Centers in Surigao del Sur located at the Lianga District Hospital in Lianga, Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City, and Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City.
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. Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more or less ten million Filipinos.
As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also advocated for various initiatives in Surigao del Sur. Among these projects are the construction and rehabilitation of roads in Cagwait, Tago, Hinatuan, Tandag City, San Agustin, and San Miguel; construction of multipurpose buildings in Cantilan, Carrascal, Bayabas, Cortes, Hinatuan, Tagbina, Tago, Madrid, Marihatag, Lianga, and Lingig; the construction of evacuation centers in Carmen and Bislig City; and installation of street lights in Barobo and Hinatuan.
He also supported the acquisition of ambulances in San Agustin, Lanuza, Lianga, and Lingig, multipurpose vehicles for Marihatag and Carmen, and a fire truck and a mini dump truck for Bayabas.
