By Dang Samson-Garcia

MANILA — Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go stresses the power of sports as a tool to steer Filipino youth away from the dangers of illegal drug use.

During the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City, Go emphasized the importance of sports in enhancing the well-being of Filipinos.

He pointed out that active participation in sports not only fosters physical health but also promotes psychological and social well-being as contributory factors in nation-building.

“Bilang chairperson po ng Senate Committee on Sports, nakatataba ng puso para sa akin ang maging parte ng ating pagtitipon ngayong araw at makita ang sari-saring talento ng ating mga kabataang atleta dito sa pagbubukas ng 2023 Batang Pinoy at Philippine National Games,” Go expressed.

“Sa palarong ito, hindi lang pisikal na lakas ang ating masasaksihan mula sa mga atleta kundi pati na rin po ang determinasyon at diwa ng pagkakaisa na bumubuklod sa ating lahat bilang isang bansa,” he cited.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, linked sports development to his broader advocacy against illegal drugs.

According to the senator, by providing young people with constructive and engaging activities, sports can offer a positive pathway that diverts them from harmful influences.

“Ayaw ko pong masayang ‘yung inumpisahan ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na labanan ang iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs and to keep us healthy and fit. Kapag tayo po ay fit, healthy po tayo. Kapag tayo po ay healthy, hahaba po ang ating buhay. Pangalagaan po natin ang kalusugan ng bawat isa dahil katumbas po yan ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he encouraged.

(IAmigo/MNM)

By Dang Samson Garcia

SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go lauded the Malasakit Center for being a pillar of support as it paved the way for the life-saving heart surgery of 29-year-old Mohammad Abdelrashid Juhuri, a devoted teacher from Maimbung, Sulu.

Mohammad’s life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when a diagnosis of congenital heart disease threatened his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.

“Congenital heart disease, pero nalaman ko po ito way back 2017… nagpunta po ako dito after ko po mag-take ng board exam para sa mechanical engineering tapos ‘yun nga, sabi ng doctor, parang may iba, iba ‘yung sound ng the way po mag-breathe,” Mohammad recounted.

Mohammad’s monthly household income was starkly inadequate for the surgical intervention required to mend his ailing heart.

His early endeavors to secure financial assistance led him to ask favors from local officials, which eventually led him to the Malasakit Center at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.
The financial aid provided by the Malasakit Center paved the way for Mohammad’s much-needed surgical intervention.

His reflections underscored the significance of the aid.

“Siguro kung walang Malasakit… malaking tulong ito, kumbaga, binigyan nila ng kaginhawaan… wala kang babayaran sa medicine, sa lahat, sa hospital bills, sa professional fee ng mga doctor.”

With the success of the operation, Mohammad and his family became forever grateful to the assistance he received from the government.

“Senator… Isa ka sa instrumento na ibinigay ni God upang madugtungan ang buhay ko,” he said.

“Thank you very much, Senator Bong. Kung hindi sa inyo, hindi ko na alam kung anong mangyari sa anak ko, so thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts,” Mohammad’s mother said.

“Ang Malasakit Centers ay para sa inyo, para sa bawat Pilipinong nangangailangan ng tulong at suporta mula sa gobyerno. Magtulungan tayo sa agarang pagbangon mula sa mga trahedyang ating hinaharap. Maraming salamat po at asahan niyo ang aking patuloy na serbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said.