Bong Go helps rebuild and strengthen local communities as newly reconstructed Public Market opens in Paniqui, Tarlac

On Sunday, April 28, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go attended the inauguration and blessing of the newly reconstructed Paniqui Market in Barangay Tablang, Paniqui, Tarlac. Devastated by a fire in 2019, the market has now been restored and is once again ready to serve the community through the efforts of Go and the local government. 

The inauguration was part of Go's series of visits to the province, including a tour of the Super Health Center in Paniqui earlier in the day. The senator, known as "Mr. Malasakit" for his compassionate service, has secured the funding needed to rebuild the market as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.

"I am thrilled to see the Paniqui Market standing strong again," Go said.

“Ang mga palengke ay ang buhay ng ating mga local communities, nagbibigay ito ng mahalagang oportunidad sa ekonomiya at nagsisilbing sentro ng kalakalan para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

Back in 2019, during the aftermath of the fire that razed the market, Go had assured the residents of Paniqui that he would support plans for constructing a new market. Concerned about the welfare of the displaced vendors, he also coordinated then with local government officials to promptly establish a temporary site where vendors could continue their businesses and distributed relief to those affected by the fire. 

Meanwhile, the inauguration was attended by local officials, including 1st District Congressman Jaime Cojuangco, Mayor Leonardo "Max" Roxas, Vice Mayor Aida "Bien" Roxas, Gerona Vice Mayor Nonoy Go, and other local officials who played key roles in the market's reconstruction and revival.

Go expressed his gratitude towards the local officials for their commitment to the project, which promises to enhance commerce and community life in Paniqui.

"This project symbolizes our collective effort and dedication to rebuilding stronger communities. I am deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality," Go said.

The newly opened market is expected to significantly boost local commerce by providing vendors and small business owners a modern and well-equipped space to operate. It is also seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the local economy, which suffered after the fire.

Aside from the market, Go supported various other projects in the province. These include the construction and enhancement of multi-purpose buildings in towns such as Tarlac, Concepcion, Bamban, San Manuel, and Victoria. These facilities are crucial for hosting community functions, providing spaces for health services, public meetings, and social activities.

Go has also championed the improvement of transportation infrastructure across Anao, Capas, Camiling, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Paniqui, Pura, San Jose, and Victoria. These projects include the construction and rehabilitation of local access roads and major thoroughfares, significantly boosting accessibility and economic activity in these areas.

Addressing environmental concerns and disaster risk, Go has supported the construction of flood control structures in Bamban and Camiling. These projects are crucial for managing the perennial flooding issues, safeguarding properties, and ensuring the safety of the residents.

As part of his vision to provide a dedicated academy for promising young athletes, Go also authored and co-sponsored a bill in the Senate which became Republic Act No. 11470 in 2020. The law provided for the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) System and Main Campus in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

The academy is equipped with world-class sports facilities, housing and other amenities on par with international standards. Sufficient number of classrooms and other facilities have also been built at the complex to provide a conducive learning environment for all the students. 

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, extended further assistance to residents who may require medical assistance via the Malasakit Center at Tarlac Provincial Hospital in the city.

As the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go cited that the Department of Health reported that more than ten million Filipinos have already benefitted from the program. To date, there are 163 Malasakit Centers nationwide. 

“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” assured Go.

Aside from the attending the turnover of the Super Health Center in Paniqui, Go also aided displaced workers in Santa Ignacia, Tarlac.

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