* highlights VP Sara program for aid and social services
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go appealed for the restoration of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget particularly for its social services programs. Go highlighted Vice President Sara Duterte’s dedication and commitment to ensuring that no Filipino in need is turned away, underscoring that adequate funding is crucial to maintaining the OVP’s social services and assistance programs.
“‘Yung malasakit po ni Vice President Sara ay hindi lamang sa salita—ito po’y nakikita natin sa kanyang pagtulong,” said Go, underscoring that the Vice President’s dedication to providing assistance and services to Filipinos mirrors the Duterte administration’s hallmark of prioritizing public welfare.
Go further explained: “Maraming naghihirap na nangangailangan ng tulong mula sa gobyerno. Huwag natin ipagkait sa opisinang may mandato na tumulong ang kakayahan nitong makatulong. Kung mas maraming tutulong, mas maraming makakabenepisyong Pilipino.”
In a media interview, Vice President Sara Duterte echoed Go’s sentiments, highlighting that without sufficient budget, hundreds of personnel across her office’s satellite operations risk losing their jobs.
She noted that many staff are dedicated to assisting Filipinos nationwide, especially through social service programs. “Of course, lahat ng personnel are hopeful na madagdagan ang budget dahil, as explained naman sa statement ni Senator Bong Go, gusto ng lahat magtrabaho,” Duterte said.
“Kung maibabalik siya, malaking bagay siya dahil hindi namin hihindian ‘yung mga lalapit sa opisina namin para humingi ng tulong,” the VP added.
During the Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget, Go urged his colleagues to reconsider the proposed budget cuts, stressing that reducing OVP funds would limit access to critical assistance for Filipinos, especially those affected by natural disasters and economic hardship.
“Ito lang po ang aking pakiusap sana para sa social services, para mas marami pang mabigyan po ng tulong at mas marami pang matutulungan,” said Go in his interpellation.
“Huwag po nating ipagkait sa sambayanan ang serbisyong kanilang inaasahan, lalo na sa panahong mas kailangan po taumbayan ang pagkalinga ng kanilang pamahalaan,” he added.
Go highlighted several key OVP programs that have been affected by the budget cuts. These initiatives, he argued, are crucial for providing immediate support to Filipinos in need, especially those affected by natural disasters.
Among the programs discussed were the Magnegosyo Ta Day, the Educational, Medical, and Burial Assistance Program, and the Disaster Response Program.
The Magnegosyo Ta Day initiative provides grants and training to small business owners, particularly women, allowing them to sustain and grow their livelihoods. Without adequate funding, however, this initiative may be forced to scale back, limiting its reach and impact.
Similarly, the Educational, Medical, and Burial Assistance Program offers financial help to individuals and families facing critical needs, such as medical emergencies and educational expenses.
One of the most vital programs of the OVP, according to Go, is the Disaster Response Program. This program has been instrumental in providing relief during calamities, distributing relief packs, and other essential aid to affected areas.
Earlier, Go appealed to his colleagues to restore the OVP’s budget, stressing the essential nature of the office’s work and the need to support its mission of direct public service.
“Nananawagan po sana ako sa mga kasamahan natin dito na sana po madagdagan o maibalik ang pondo po na naaprubahan sa NEP for 2025,” Go stated.
“Para naman po makapag-trabaho nang maayos ang ating Bise Presidente na parte po ng Executive Branch of the government,” he continued, “Para naman meron tayong working Vice President at hindi lang po spare tire.”
