Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support and lauded the approval of Senate Bill No. 2035 on its third and final reading on Monday, May 29. The measure, also known as Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, aims to establish a master plan on employment generation and recovery to address the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
The proposed Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, principally sponsored by Majority Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, garnered strong support from lawmakers, including Go, who co-sponsored the bill. Go emphasized the significance of providing decent and equal job opportunities for all Filipinos, especially during these trying times.
“Many Filipinos have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and the rising unemployment rate calls for immediate action,” Go stated.
“This measure will stimulate national and local economic growth and development through aligning investment and other incentives provided by law for decent job generation, including the reintegration of Overseas Filipino Workers,” he added.
Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Labor, further stressed the importance of adequate planning and strategy to create sufficient employment opportunities, saying, “Dapat po talaga may sapat na pagpaplano at stratehiya para makalikha tayo ng sapat na trabaho.”
“Through the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, we will promote the employability, competitiveness, wellness, and productivity of workers,” he added.
The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, once passed into law, will establish the National Employment Master Plan, known as the “Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan.” This comprehensive plan will serve as the state’s blueprint for employment generation and recovery, encompassing both short-term and long-term goals and visions for the country.
The plan’s objectives include stimulating economic growth and development, promoting the employability and competitiveness of workers, providing support and incentives to businesses, and encouraging employers and industry stakeholders.
Under the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, a Trabaho Para sa Bayan Inter-Agency Council will be formed to develop success measures, key performance indicators, and action components. The council’s responsibilities will include providing support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, enhancing the skills of the workforce, incentivizing employers and private sector organizations, and ensuring a favorable business environment.
To facilitate the implementation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, the bill also proposes the creation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Fund. This fund will be sourced from various government agencies, donations, grants, and other revenue streams.
“This marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of a brighter future for employment in our beloved country,” said Go.
“With the approval of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, I am filled with optimism and hope that this can be the catalyst for economic recovery, job creation, and the holistic well-being of our hardworking Filipino workers,” he added.
Go’s support for the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act is aligned with his continuous efforts to promote economic development in the country. He previously commended the Senate for approving SBN 1594, which shall institutionalize the One Town, One Product Philippines Program.
This initiative aims to stimulate the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by utilizing indigenous raw materials, local traditions, and cultures.
“Supporting small businesses plays a crucial role for the country. MSMEs are often the drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Go, who authored and co-sponsored the measure, emphasized.
“They can quickly respond to changing market demands and develop new products or services that meet the needs of their customers,” he added.
In addition, Go introduced SBN 1182 or the proposed Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery Act. This bill aims to strengthen the capacity of government financial institutions to provide vital financial assistance to MSMEs and other strategically important companies.
Go highlighted that the proposed GUIDE Act is one of the priority measures mentioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his first State of the Nation Address. At the height of the pandemic, Go also played a crucial role in the implementation of the Small Business Wage Subsidy program. This program provided financial assistance to eligible workers who were unable to work or receive payment during the enhanced community quarantine period.
