Bong Go thanks OFWs in Japan, vows to prioritize their welfare

Senator-elect Christopher Go (seated in striped shirt) was part of the entourage of President Rodrigo Duterte in Japan. (Contributed photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go thanked the Filipino community for supporting him in an event held in Tokyo, Japan on Friday as part of the four-day visit of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to serve you. Not all Filipinos are given the privilege to help left raise the living standards of their countrymen. I will not waste this trust that you have given me,” Go, speaking partly in Filipino, said in his speech.

“This feat would not have been possible if not for the love and support of every Filipino, including our beloved overseas Filipino workers whose steadfast support gave me a big boost to achieve one of the sweetest victories in my life.”

He assured Filipinos in Japan that he would continue to be not only their bridge to the President but also their voice in the Senate.

“You expect my office to be always open to all of you so I can hear your complaints and suggestions on how the government can improve its service to you and how we can better satisfy your needs,” Go said.

On a lighter note, Go said that he accompanied the President Rodrigo Duterte and partner Honeylet Avanceña to Uniqlo in Japan, where they checked out some gadgets at the Apple Store.

“This is his third time in Japan, but this is the first time that he had an opportunity to go around in Japan,” Go said.

He said the President bought some clothes and picked out an Apple Watch for his daughter.

OFW agencies under one roof

The establishment of a Department for Overseas Filipino Workers concerns is a top priority for Go in the Senate.

As Go has explained during his campaign, the proposed department will aim to do the following:

• serve as a one-stop-shop in providing legal assistance for OFWs in distress
• arrange a full migration cycle approach in promoting migrant’s rights from pre-employment as well as onsite and reintegration services
• launch a shared database system that contains important information of all OFWs to aid in tracking their status and fast track delivery of assistance, especially to distressed workers

“We will take care of you for all the sacrifices you have been making for your families and your country,” Go said. “You can expect us to make our ‘Tatak Duterte’ service faster, more efficient, and more reliable,” he said.

Go also intends to hasten airport transactions and explore the possibility of establishing OFW Malasakit Centers to cater to complaints and queries of OFWs, including all other Filipinos visiting or residing abroad.

Go noted various government agencies dealing with OFWs were scattered in several departments, such as the International Labor Affairs Bureau, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (under the Department of Labor and Employment); OFW Social Service Office (under the Department of Social Welfare and Development); and Commission on Filipino Overseas (under the Office of the President), among others.

Separate procedures in related agencies could lead to longer response time, particularly for OFWs in distress.

Go said that putting all these agencies under “one roof” in the Department of OFWs would lead to better coordination when it comes to service delivery and rescue efforts.

The proposed department would also be able to give better training programs and skills enhancements to workers before being deployed abroad.

He also vowed to Filipinos in Japan that he would support and help President Rodrigo Duterte in achieving a safe and progressive country for the next generation.

“I will continue the things that President Duterte is fighting for, especially his efforts to crush illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality. We will make sure that your children are safe in the Philippines,” he said.

Legislative priorities

Among Go’s top legislative priorities to improve the quality of life of Filipinos are:

• the establishment of Malasakit Centers in every province and big chartered cities
• the creation of the National Senior Citizens Commission (NCSC) that will implement laws, policies, and programs for the senior citizens
• the intensified fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)