Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go called on the national government and local government units to continue upholding the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipino workers as the country commemorates Labor Day on the first day of May.
“Despite the country’s recent test of COVID-19, I congratulate our workers on a free Labor Day,” Go said.
“You are the cornerstone of our ever-growing economy. As a legislator, you expect me to continue to propose bills and support programs to better protect your rights and improve your well-being,” he added.
Go also assured workers that the government will always prioritize their rights and welfare amid the challenges posed by the ongoing public health crisis. “As we continue to fight the COVID-19 disease, the government is doing everything it can to provide assistance to affected workers.”
“In support, I have also called for additional assistance for more, such as the affected small business workers or the MSMEs, among others,” he added.
Earlier, Go appealed for the provision of support to workers and employees of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Go said that most MSMEs were forced to temporarily, totally or partially close down due to the global health crisis and the extended enhanced community quarantine measures.
“MSMEs and their workers are a major part of the economic growth of our economy. We help them grow their business and keep their employees afloat during times of crisis throughout the country,” Go said.
Go’s appeal led to the granting of a subsidy program to provide assistance to MSMEs and their employees by the Department of Finance. About four million MSME employees benefitted from the program.
The Department of Labor and Employment also implemented its COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) for affected workers in the formal sector. CAMP provides qualified beneficiaries a one-time financial assistance of P5,000 and employment facilitation services.
Meanwhile, Go also shared his proposed Back to State program which, if successful, could benefit millions of Filipino workers nationwide who will no longer need to move to urban centers for better job opportunities.
“With the help of the Back Provincial program, I hope our workers from the province will no longer need to go to Manila just to find a job,” Go said.
“I promise that I will fight this program so that we can create more jobs and improve the lives of the Filipino workers. Again, happy Labor Day. Long live!” he added.
Ending his message, Go remains optimistic that the country will overcome the challenges brought by COVID-19.
“I believe we can overcome this crisis. And I am confident that the government and the entire Filipino people are united with our workforce in the hope of restoring our economy as soon as possible,” he said./Stacy Ang
