QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – In line with the week-long celebration of its 16th cityhood anniversary from June 16 to 24, the local government of Navotas laid out different activities that prioritize service delivery among various sectors of the community. 

One of the main initiatives include the opening of the newly renovated Navotas Sports Complex on June 21 that serves as a major facility for the conduct of many important occasions in the city. 

Local chief executive John Rey Tiangco led the inaugural ceremony affirming the historical value of the sports complex as it witnessed many milestone events like mega vaccination drives during the height of the pandemic. 

“We have improved the facility to provide a better experience to Navoteños when we hold events here. Pakiusap lang po natin sana tuwing pupunta po kayo dito ay ingatan po natin ang facilities para tumagal at magamit po natin ito,” said Mayor John Rey. 

District Representative Toby Tiangco, on the other hand, stressed the usefulness of the facility in terms of providing an avenue that enables the Navoteño youth to hone and showcase their multifaceted potentials. 

“Ang layunin natin dito ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga batang Navoteno na maglaro, mailayo sa masamang bisyo, at makita ‘yung kanilang  iba-ibang talento (Our goal here is to give our Navoteño youth an opportunity to engross in productive activities that steer them away from negative vices and to showcase their different talents),” said the District Representative. 

A friendly match or an exhibition game between the city councilors and public school teachers was also conducted to embark on the use of the facility. It was graced by three of the top basketball players from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) LA Tenorio, Terrence Romeo, and Paul Lee. 

Meanwhile, in an effort to cater the growing medical needs of the residents, the local government established three new health facilities at the Navotas City Hospital, Barangay Tanza 2, and Barangay North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS) Dagat-dagatan.

The said facilities range from private bed wards, blood bank, administrative offices, molecular laboratory, and an integrated health center which all intend to improve the city’s provision of medical services and the local health system as a whole. 

Meanwhile, a total of 200 solo parents were able to receive a PHP 2,000 worth of cash subsidy through the financial assistance program of the city government. This is the third tranche of aid given to the said beneficiaries for the past two quarters of 2023 through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). 

“We hope that through this small amount, we can help you provide the needs of your families. We also urge other solo parents to register and secure their IDs to get their due benefits,” said Mayor Tiangco. 

In addition, the Office of the Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) on June 23 led the provision of booklets for the free movie admission of 800 Navoteño senior citizens. Through this, they can avail of their special privilege every Mondays and Tuesdays at Fisher Mall Malabon from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

The same date also marked the end of the NavoSyante Caravan at the Navotas Citywalk Amphitheater that started last June 20 to feature the products of local business owners while serving as a leisure place for families and friends. 

To cap off the celebration on June 24, the local government held the film screening and awards night of the 5th Navoteño Film Festival (NFF) with a theme “Navoteña Nangunguna: The role of Navoteñas in power and decision-making.” 

A total of 9 short films were evaluated for the creative depiction of the theme. Among the awards given were ‘Best in Poster Design’ that was clinched by the short film entitled ‘Direksyon ng Desisyon’ of Felix Monroy and the ‘Best in Trailer’ which was conferred to Kahidlaw Production’s ‘Daisies for Sale.’ 

The annual local film festival is aimed at providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers in the city to harness their craft. (Navotas PIO/PIA-NCR)