SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go extended his warm congratulations for the successful inauguration of the Marawi Convention Center and Sarimanok Sports Complex in Marawi City on Friday, May 20.

In his video message, Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, cited that the completion of the sports and recreational facility is just one of the government’s ways of bringing together Maranaos through sports engagement, considering the challenges brought about by the Marawi siege.

“Aside from its sports and recreational use, these facilities will also serve as a reminder of the innate strength and resilience of our Maranao brothers and sisters,” Go noted.

“Rest assured that we remain dedicated to our shared vision of a stronger and more peaceful Marawi where your identity and culture will be proudly showcased and respected,” he continued.

The four-hectare Sarimanok Sports Stadium has a 3,700-seating-capacity and is anticipated to serve as a venue for holding different sports activities. It will include track and field, football field, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, indoor badminton court, shower and locker area, and offices.

Meanwhile, the one-hectare Marawi Convention Center is an auditorium that could accommodate 1,000 guests. It also has a 1,500-square-meter exhibit area that can hold 120 to 150 booths, and a parking area with 170 car slots. The center can be utilized for indoor activities, meetings, and symposiums, among others.

The government allotted around PhP 400 million for the said projects and was sourced from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (NDRRM-MRRRP).

The senator then thanked all of the efforts from the agencies, particularly Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and the National Housing Authority (NHA), that ensured the continuous rehabilitation of the city.

“I would also like to take this opportune time to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly and passionately to ensure that the people of Marawi will regain what they have lost,” Go expressed.

“Sa mga kapwa kong kawani ng gobyerno mula sa iba’t-ibang ahensya, mga kasamahan ko sa Senado, mga NGOs, at sa lahat ng mga tumulong at nagdasal para sa kaligtasan ng marawi, maraming salamat po sa inyo.” he continued.

Furthermore, the senator reassured the Maranaos that the government remains steadfast in providing necessary support to ensure the city’s fast recovery. He reaffirmed that they will continue to push for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.

“The government never abandoned the people of Marawi, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Patuloy pong sinisiguro ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na manumbalik sa normal ang inyong pamumuhay,” Go emphasized.

“Isa lamang po ito sa napakaraming inisyatibo ng gobyerno upang muling makabangon ang Marawi. We will continue to pursue support programs that would provide opportunities to Marawi siege victims, and make sure that public funds will be utilized judiciously in all our rehabilitation efforts,” he vowed.

Just recently, the President signed Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022. Under the law, necessary additional support will be provided to the victims of the 2017 Marawi siege in order to rebuild their lives.

Co-authored by Go, RA 11696 seeks to provide internally-displaced persons (IDPs) compensation or reparation for houses destroyed and properties that can no longer be recovered due to the attack of Islamic State-linked terrorists in the city.

Any qualified owner of residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties in Marawi City’s most affected areas (MAA) and other affected areas (OAA) shall also receive reparation from the government.

Meanwhile, the Act likewise creates the Marawi Compensation Board which shall receive, evaluate, process, investigate, approve with finality, and disburse any and all compensation to qualified claimants under the law.

“Mga kababayan, ito ang magiging pundasyon at sandigan sa bagong kinabukasan ng Marawi. Sama-sama po tayong babangon at kapit-bisig nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok na kinakaharap natin bilang isang mamayang Pilipino,” Go concluded.