Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed his support for government programs aimed at assisting the most vulnerable sectors of society as the proposed amended Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta for the Poor is expected to be signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. according to reports.
A champion for the welfare of marginalized communities in the country, Go stressed the importance of prioritizing the needs of the poor and ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance to overcome their hardships, especially those adversely affected by the pandemic.
“This Magna Carta for the Poor was passed into law by virtue of Republic Act 11291 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019 to guarantee the poor’s rights to have decent homes, livelihood and education,” Go said.
The Magna Carta for the Poor, signed into law in 2019, serves as landmark legislation in the country, providing a comprehensive framework for addressing poverty-related concerns.
Under the law, “the government shall establish a system of progressive realization or implementation to provide the requirements, conditions, and opportunities for the full enjoyment or realization of the following rights of the poor, which are essential requirements towards poverty alleviation.”
To further strengthen and enhance the implementation of this vital law, amendments to its IRR have been proposed. The amended IRR aims to streamline processes, improve access to social services, and ensure that government programs are effectively reaching those who need them the most.
In addition, the proposed amendments to the IRR of the Magna Carta for the Poor are anticipated to bring numerous benefits to the most vulnerable members of society. These amendments include measures to improve access to healthcare, education, housing, livelihood opportunities and social protection programs.
Recognizing the potential impact of the changes, Go has expressed his full support for the proposed amended IRR. He cited that these amendments will significantly bolster the government’s efforts to uplift the lives of millions of impoverished Filipinos.
Meantime, Go spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of a Super Health Center and inspected a presently being constructed bridge in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last Tuesday.
Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has been instrumental in securing necessary funding for said projects, underscoring his commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipinos through enhanced healthcare services and better transportation networks.
The Super Health Center provides basic healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.