The Malasakit Team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with local officials, reached out and provided assistance to indigent youth workers in Valenzuela City on Friday, October 24.
“Bawat tulong na naibibigay natin ay isang hakbang papalapit sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa ating mga kababayan. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, kaya’t tuloy-tuloy po ang ating pagtulong sa abot ng makakaya,” Go said in a message.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go underscored the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for young Filipinos, especially those from underprivileged families, to gain valuable experience and prepare for future careers.
Through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Government Internship Program (GIP), 33 indigent youth beneficiaries were oriented on the objectives and implementation of the program, which will soon allow them to gain hands-on experience working in various government offices. The program aims to prepare both in-school and out-of-school youths by equipping them with life and workplace skills while also providing them an opportunity to earn income to help support their educational and daily needs.
“Ang GIP ay isang magandang oportunidad para sa ating mga kabataang nangangailangan. Habang natututo sila ng mga kasanayan sa trabaho, nagkakaroon din sila ng pagkakataon na makatulong sa kanilang pamilya at magkaroon ng pag-asa sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Go said.
He added that empowering the youth through such initiatives strengthens their sense of responsibility and commitment to public service.
“Ang mga kabataang ito ang pag-asa ng bayan. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, natutulungan silang maging mas handa, mas responsable, at mas inspiradong makibahagi sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” he emphasized.
Held at the Don Pablo Court, Don Pablo Subdivision in Valenzuela City, Go’s team also distributed snacks, pens, balls, shirts, and fans to the beneficiaries.
Senator Go highlighted his efforts in pushing for laws that promote accessible and quality education, including Republic Act No. 12077 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which he co-authored and co-sponsored, providing financial relief to students with outstanding loans during calamities. He also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, also known as the Institutionalization of the Alternative Learning System Act, which ensures access to education for out-of-school and disadvantaged youth.
Go likewise co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11984 or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which prevents schools from barring students from exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006 or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, waiving exam fees for qualified students in private higher educational institutions; and RA 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which increases the teaching supply allowance for public school teachers.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
