Senator Bong Go and Mayor Ventenilla Empower Micro-Entrepreneurs in Mangatarem, Pangasinan
Mangatarem, Pangasinan – In a concerted effort to uplift the spirits of micro-entrepreneurs in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team joined forces with Mayor Ramil Ventenilla’s office on Monday, November 20, to provide essential assistance to small business owners affected by various challenges.
The distribution activity, held at the Shahani Complex, saw the proactive engagement of Go’s team as they aided 33 local entrepreneurs. The assistance included snacks, masks, shirts, and sports equipment such as basketballs and volleyballs. Additionally, select recipients were gifted with shoes and mobile phones.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) played a pivotal role in the initiative by extending livelihood kits to eligible beneficiaries. These kits aim to empower recipients, enabling them to kick-start or enhance their small businesses, thereby fostering economic growth within the community.
In a video message, Senator Bong Go, an adopted son of Pangasinan, expressed his unwavering support for the DTI program, emphasizing its continuity as a vital lifeline for small businesses affected by crises. “Ang programang ito ng DTI ay ating isinulong noong administrasyon ni dating pangulong Duterte at sinusuportahan ko pa rin ngayon para maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa ating maliliit na negosyante na naapektuhan ng sakuna at krisis,” Go stated.
He further elaborated on the significance of empowering entrepreneurs, saying, “Bibigyan kayo ng negosyo kits para palaguin ang inyong kabuhayan. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan mo ang iyong negosyo at napalago mo ito. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng iyong pamilya.”
As a legislator, Go is a staunch advocate for creating additional livelihood opportunities in rural areas, considering it a crucial strategy for the country’s recovery from the adversities presented by the pandemic and other crises. He is notably one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act 11960, known as the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act.
The OTOP Program centers around identifying and promoting unique products from different towns and municipalities. By doing so, it not only fosters entrepreneurship but also harnesses local resources while preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. This approach helps micro-businesses gain visibility, access markets, and enhance their competitiveness, thereby contributing to economic resilience.
“Majority ng mga registered businesses sa bansa ay mga MSMEs — mga maliliit na negosyo. Mas i-encourage natin ang pagiging business-minded ng mga Pilipino para magkaroon ng maayos na pagkakakitaan,” Go emphasized in a video message. “Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado.”
Senator Bong Go also took the opportunity to extend assistance to the beneficiaries by advising them to take advantage of the medical assistance programs offered by the Malasakit Center at Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City. RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, authored and sponsored by Go, provides poor and indigent patients with convenient access to medical assistance programs.
“Mga kababayan tandaan natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go remarked, concluding with a commitment to continue serving the people. “Ako po ang inyong Senador kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako’y naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.”
To further enhance economic opportunities in the province, Senator Bong Go, as the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported various projects, including the construction of concrete line canals, rehabilitation and concretion of several roads, and the acquisition of medical equipment for the dialysis center of the Western Pangasinan District Hospital.