SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON, personally inspected the Taytay Sports Complex in Taytay, Rizal, on Sunday, February 11, a project he supported the funding for as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.
The complex, which is now partially complete, has been a project close to the senator’s heart, showcasing his steadfast support for the country’s athletic programs and community well-being.
“Tulung-tulong lang tayo… Kaya pag nagsama-sama po ang governor, ang mayor, ang vice mayor, ang kapitan, wala pong imposible. Narito po ako para tumulong po sa mga kababayan natin sa Taytay — makatulong sa mga proyekto tulad nitong sports complex, makatulong sa mga mahihirap sa abot ng aking makakaya, at makapag-iwan ng ngiti lalo na ngayon na ipinagdiriwang ang inyong kapistahan,” said Go who also attended the town’s Hamaka Festival that day.
He stressed his approach to governance, prioritizing the welfare of the underprivileged. “Huwag natin isipin ‘yung sarili natin. Huwag natin isipin ‘yung politika. Isipin muna natin ‘yung pagse-serbisyo sa mga kababayan natin.”
The Taytay Sports Complex is envisioned to be more than just a venue for sports but a hub for community activities, offering facilities for jogging, exercise, and relaxation – open to athletes and all who wish to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Go highlighted the role of sports in nation-building as it promotes discipline, sportsmanship, and camaraderie in the community, keeping the youth away from illegal drugs, and promoting a healthy and fit lifestyle.
Governor Nina Ynares echoed Go’s sentiments, attributing the success of the sports complex and similar projects to his support. “Senator Bong Go, salamat po. Dahil kung wala naman po talaga ‘yung tulong n’yo, wala po lahat lang ito,” she acknowledged.
The construction of the Taytay Sports Complex began during the Duterte administration and has rapidly progressed. It is expected to be fully operational soon, marking a new chapter for sports and wellness in the region and beyond.
“Magtulungan lang tayo paano mapaganda pa ito. Para mapapakinabangan ito hindi lang po ng mga taga-Taytay, kundi buong probinsya po ng Rizal,” Go articulated.
Go has been a long-term advocate for grassroots sports development in the Philippines. He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, in 2020 where student athletes can train and pursue quality education at the same time.
Go also continues to push for other proposed measures for sports, such as Senate Bill (SB) No. 2116, a proposal to amend RA No. 10699, also known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” to provide better recognition and benefits to para-athletes.
Furthermore, he remains committed to advancing grassroots sports development through his filed SB No. 423, which aims to institutionalize the Philippine National Games. This proposed bill seeks to provide a platform for athletes nationwide, particularly in rural areas, to showcase their skills and compete nationally.
Meanwhile, Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also advised residents who have health concerns to take advantage of the services offered in the Malasakit Centers inside Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital, and Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan.
RA 11463, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers, was principally sponsored and authored by Go. It is a one-stop shop where underprivileged patients may avail themselves of medical assistance from agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Since 2018, 159 Malasakit Centers have been established and have helped more or less ten million Filipinos, according to DOH.
Furthermore, Go supported the construction of numerous Super Health Centers nationwide, including those in Rizal province, where 12 Super Health Centers are funded. On the same day, Go inspected the Super Health Center in Taytay before attending the Hamaka Festival at the New Taytay Public Market grounds.
“I also actively pushed for funding for the construction of more Super Health Centers nationwide to make primary care, medical consultations and early disease detection more accessible in communities, particularly in far-flung areas. Through our efforts in coordination with DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers, more than 700 Super Health Centers have been funded nationwide,” he said.
Aside from the sports complex, Go supported several initiatives to help the province’s development. These include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono, Rodriguez, and Antipolo City; rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Rodriguez; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez; construction of the Justice Building in Antipolo City; construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras; and the purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo.
