Sen. Bong Go remains committed to supporting local tourism to create more livelihood opportunities and spur the country’s economic recovery, especially as many Filipinos lost their sources of income due to the ongoing pandemic.
In his video message during the relief activities conducted by his team in Sibalom, Antique on 9 and 10 October, Go underscored how investment in tourism can likewise hasten pandemic recovery.
The senator encouraged the municipal government of Sibalom to develop more programs that would further strengthen its tourism sector and promote its tourist destinations, such as the Sibalom Natural Park where tourists can view the world’s largest flower — Rafflesia.
“Marami po talagang nawalan ng trabaho ng dahil sa pandemya pero huwag po kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa, mga kababayan ko, dahil andito lang po kami na handang tumulong sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” Go reaffirmed.
“Para naman po bumalik ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya, hinihikayat ko po ang ating local officials na magtulung-tulong tayo para pagandahin natin ang mga tourist spots niyo dito sa probinsya. Naniniwala po ako kung maganda po ang ating tourist sector, bibilis po ang ating pag-asenso,” he expressed.
Held at the municipal gymnasium, Go’s team provided masks and snacks to a total of 2,000 residents. They also handed out cellular phones, shoes, bicycles, and balls for basketball and volleyball as part of the senator’s sports advocacy.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development likewise extended financial assistance. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority assessed the beneficiaries and committed to extend livelihood support and skills training, respectively.