BONG GO CHAMPIONS COMBAT SPORTS, FUELING THE FIGHT FOR FILIPINO ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

Over the last two years, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has resolutely fortified the support system for various sports activities in the Philippines, steering athletes and organizations toward competitive excellence through initiatives done in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, his efforts reflect a commitment to cultivating talent and fostering grassroots participation in disciplines often overshadowed by mainstream sports.

Combat sports—boxing, karate, judo, taekwondo, and muay thai—have been a focal point of Go’s support, underscoring his advocacy for accessible athletic programs. With the PSC, Go advocated for financial support for a series of notable events and grassroots activities, from hosting regional championships to organizing clinics that aim to inspire young fighters to pursue their dreams.

For instance, the PSC provided funding to Karate Pilipinas Sports Foundation Inc. to successfully host the 10th Southeast Asian Karate Federation Championships. The event drew participants from across the region, spotlighting the Philippines as a hub for world-class karate events.

“Malaking bagay po ito para sa mga atleta natin, para maipakita nila ang kanilang talento sa international stage,” said Go, emphasizing the long-term benefits of competitive exposure.

Other programs included assistance to Pedro Mora of Animo Kayzen, enabling Filipino judokas to participate in pivotal competitions, and to Niño Mataro of Haiyan Punch Boxing Promotions, whose boxing tournament in Barugo, Leyte, energized the local sporting community.

Meanwhile, Sannie Sombrio successfully hosted a boxing clinic in Sarangani, a grassroots event designed to introduce the sport to underserved areas.

“Ang sports, hindi lang pampalakas ng katawan kundi pampabuti ng buhay,” Go added, highlighting the transformative potential of athletic engagement.

In line with his vision for sports as a tool for youth development, Go also supported the funding for Gen. Lucas Managuelod of the Muaythai Association of the Philippines, which has been instrumental in introducing muaythai to grassroots participants across the country.

Similarly, support for the International Taekwondo Federation allowed the staging of key tournaments, reinforcing the nation’s position in the global taekwondo community.

These efforts are not mere gestures; they form part of a strategic initiative to promote healthier lifestyles and steer young Filipinos away from vices.

“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go, also the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, reiterated.

As a legislator, Go played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in their sports and academic endeavors.

In addition to his efforts with NAS, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. It seeks to institutionalize a structured national sports program that not only promotes grassroots sports but also provides opportunities for aspiring athletes to compete at the national level.

While the Philippines’ athletic future remains a work in progress, Go’s efforts help ensure that sports remain a priority. As the senator himself aptly puts it: “Ang sports ay para sa lahat. Ang kailangan lang natin ay suporta, determinasyon at tamang disiplina.”

“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang pagkakataong makatulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa larangan ng sports. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino, dahil naniniwala akong ang suporta sa sports ay suporta sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” said Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos.