Go makes campaign swing in Valenzuela

SEN. Bong Go reaffirmed his commitment to bringing public service and assistance closer to the people during a campaign swing in Valenzuela City on Tuesday.

"Rain or shine, we will continue. Nothing can stop us from visiting our countrymen here in Valenzuela City," Go declared during his visit to city hall, where he was welcomed by Mayor Wes Gatchalian, alongside Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa and senatorial candidate Willie Revillame.

"Ours is our friendship, not politics... And I am your true friend here in Valenzuela," Go said.

He highlighted key initiatives he pushed for in Valenzuela City, including the establishment of two Malasakit Centers — the Valenzuela Medical Center and the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital — to provide residents with a one-stop shop for medical assistance from various government agencies.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

There are 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Grateful for the Valenzuela government's partnership in sustaining these centers, Go said, "You are one of the places with two Malasakit Centers. Thank you to our local government for caring for your Malasakit Centers."

On education, Go recalled the Duterte administration's significant contributions to improving educational infrastructure in the city, notably through the establishment of the Lawang Bato National High School (LBNHS) in Barangay Lawang Bato and the Canumay East National High School (CENHS) in Barangay Canumay East.

Inaugurated on March 4, 2021, LBNHS now features three four-story buildings, 44 classrooms and serves approximately 3,282 junior and senior high school students, supported by 113 teachers and staff.

CENHS, formerly an annex of Valenzuela National High School, was converted into an independent national high school under RA 10205 in 2012. Under the Duterte administration, CENHS saw the construction of two four-story buildings, each housing eight classrooms.

In the youth and sports sector, Go pointed out his significant role in the passage of RA 11470, which created the National Academy of Sports (NAS) at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac — a project he pushed for alongside fellow senator from Valenzuela City, Sherwin Gatchalian.

The NAS integrates academic education with specialized sports training to support the development of future Filipino sports champions.