Go Files Bill To Help Reintegrate Ofws

SEN. Bong Go has filed a new batch of Senate bills, outlining a broad legislative agenda for the current Congress.

Among the measures is Senate Bill (SB) 1776, or the proposed National Reintegration Act, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The bill mandates closer coordination among government agencies to provide employment facilitation, skills recognition, livelihood training and access to credit for OFWs.

Under the proposal, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Migrant Workers would hold regular job fairs, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would certify OFWs’ education and work experience.

Business training and loan access would be coursed through the Small Business Corp.

“When our OFWs return home, the government’s support should not end there,” Go said.

SB 1778 proposes survivorship benefits for the legitimate spouse and dependent children of deceased retired officials of the National Labor Relations Commission, placing them on par with members of the Judiciary in terms of post-retirement benefits.

SB 1780, or the Mandatory School Clinics Act, requires the establishment of clinics in all public elementary and secondary schools to strengthen on-site health services.

Go also proposed the creation of two national high schools in Banaybanay and San Isidro, Davao Oriental (SBs 1781 and 1805), and the conversion of extension campuses of Davao Oriental State University into regular campuses (SB 1782) to improve access to higher education.

He also submitted several health infrastructure bills. SB 1779 seeks to establish a nursing home for senior citizens in every region. Other proposals include the creation of new Department of Health-run hospitals in Tigaon (SB 1783), Sogod, Southern Leyte (SB 1784), and Antipolo, Rizal (SB 1789), as well as the conversion of the Mabini Community Hospital into a general hospital (SB 1790).

Addressing government workforce concerns, SB 1786 would grant civil service eligibility to qualified casual and contractual employees who have rendered continuous and satisfactory service.

SB 1788, or the Public Dentistry Salary Modification Act, seeks to raise the entry-level salary of government dentists from Salary Grade 13 to 17.

For economic and food security initiatives, Go filed SB 1777 to institutionalize the Shared Services Facilities Project for micro, small and medium enterprises, and SB 1787, or the Zero Food Waste Act, which would require food businesses to partner with food banks to donate excess but safe food.

Rounding out the package are proposed amendments to the Special Education Fund (SB 1785) and the Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act (SB 1791).

The latest filings reflect Go’s push for expanded social services, institutional reforms and regional development through sector-focused legislation.