Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is optimistic that the new Siargao Island Sports Tourism Complex (SISTC) will greatly boost the island’s tourism sector and economic recovery.
Go joined President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and other key officials during the inauguration of SISTC and other big-ticket projects on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on Nov. 7.
“Masaya ako sa pagbubukas ng Siargao Sports and Tourism Complex dahil ito po ay isa sa maraming proyekto ng Duterte Administration na makakatulong sa ating ekonomiya at pag-unlad ng bansa (I’m happy with the opening of Siargao [Island] Sports and Tourism Complex because this is one of the projects of the Duterte administration that can help our economy),” Go said in a news release on Tuesday.
He said the PHP630.2 million sports and tourism complex will also give an opportunity to the local athletes to hone their skills right on their home turf which is considered as one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country.
Located in Dapa town, the SISTC can accommodate a total of 1,632 persons with its first-class facilities and amenities. It can also hold various national and international sports and tourism events.
The 6.3-hectare complex is also equipped with basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts, a dormitory for student-athletes, a rubberized athletic oval, a soccer field, a swimming pool, the two-floor, six-classroom Siargao Sports High School, and a convention center.
He echoed Duterte’s appeal to the local governments on Siargao Island to take care and preserve the natural beauty of the island to ensure that next generations of Filipinos will also get to enjoy it in the future.
Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, also said the complex aims to inspire young athletes to hone their athletic talents and skills.
As part of his pledge to continue the positive changes initiated by the Duterte Administration, Go also cited that the pursuing infrastructure development will boost the economic recovery of the country to eventually provide a comfortable and sustainable life for the people in the countryside.
“I am also confident na marami ang mabibigyan ng trabaho dahil sa pagbubukas ng SISTC. Magbubukas ito ng maraming oportunidad para sa mga nasa isla at buong rehiyon (I am also confident that more people will be given jobs with the opening of SISTC. It will open more opportunities for people in the island and throughout the region),” Go said.
Aside from SISTC, Duterte also unveiled other projects under the Build, Build, Build program by the Department of Public Works and Highways, including the opening of the PHP434 million Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge Three-Point Bridge System.
“The construction of additional roads and bridges is vital to our country’s economic development by enhancing the mobility and accessibility of people, goods and services,” Duterte said.
The event was attended by First District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II, Governor Francisco Matugas, Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas Jr., Burgos Mayor Emmanuel Arcena, Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee, and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar.
Also present were Public Works Undersecretary Eugenio Pipo Jr. representing Secretary Roger Mercado, Assistant Secretary Ador Canlas of the Regional Operations in Mindanao, Regional Director Pol Delos Santos, and Assistant Director Nomer Canlas of Regional Office 13, and Surigao del Norte 1st District engineer Alex Ramos. (PNA)
