Sen. Bong Go visited the province of Misamis Oriental on Tuesday, 4 October, and personally extended aid to existing and aspiring small business owners from El Salvador City and from the towns of Opol, Gitagum, Libertad, Initao, Naawan, Manticao, Lugait, Laguindingan, Tagoloan, Jasaan and Claveria.
In his speech during his visit, Go encouraged his fellow Filipinos to patronize local businesses as he underscored their vital role in revitalizing communities and the country’s economy.
He has been consistent in pushing for stronger government interventions for struggling small businesses, noting, “Maituturing na backbone ng ating ekonomiya ang mga micro, small and medium enterprises. Masisipag at madiskarte sa buhay ang mga Pilipino. Kung mabibigyan lang sila ng tamang tulong at training, hindi malayo na mas lalago pa ang mga negosyo nila.”
“Sana makonsidera ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno ito. Tulungan po natin ang mga MSMEs natin na buhayin ang kanilang mga negosyo dahil sila rin ang bubuhay sa ating ekonomiya, lalung-lalo na ngayon na nasa gitna tayo ng krisis dulot ng COVID-19,” he added.
At the start of the 19th Congress, the senator filed a bill institutionalizing the Department of Trade and Industry’s “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) program to help boost recovery and promote innovation among MSMEs.
The proposed measure shall assist and capacitate MSMEs in developing new, innovative and more complex products and services through significant improvement in the areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards compliance, marketability, production capability, brand development, sustainability, and securing licenses, product registration and other market authorization, among others.
The senator was likewise instrumental for the implementation of the Small Business Wage Subsidy program even at the height of the pandemic. The program provided eligible workers who were unable to work or get paid during the enhanced community quarantine period with two tranches of financial assistance.
Meanwhile, Go and his outreach team distributed meals, grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and shirts to 301 beneficiaries who were gathered at the Tagoloan Dome. Go likewise provided bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals.
Furthermore, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended livelihood assistance grants to the qualified recipients.