Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his commitment to supporting grassroots sports development and advocating for additional incentives for para-athletes in the country.
In an ambush interview after aiding struggling communities in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on Monday, May 22, Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and recognizing the tremendous achievements of specially abled athletes, emphasized the need for equal recognition and rewards for their outstanding performances.
He pointed out the current disparity in the incentives received by disabled athletes, saying, “Alam n’yo, napaka-unfair naman ng incentives na tinatanggap ng specially abled. Pareho namang ginto ang tinatanggap nila, parehong silver, parehong bronze. Parehong karangalan ang dinadala nila sa ating bansa.”
“Bakit mas kakaunti ang natatanggap nilang cash incentives, eh, mas hirap nga silang mag-compete? Specially abled nga sila, dapat pareho. ‘Yun po ang tinitingnan ko ngayon,” he added.
Senate Bill No. 2116, which Go filed this May 2023, seeks to amend Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10699 or the “National Athletes And Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.”
If approved, the bill will enhance the incentives for para athletes, bringing them in line with similar international competitions. The proposed measure intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.
These financial incentives are intended to recognize the effort, commitment, and perseverance of para athletes, while also providing support for their ongoing athletic pursuits.
The 12th ASEAN Para Games is scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from June 3 to 9, following its successful hosting of the 2023 Southeast Asian Games held from May 5 to May 17.
The Philippines is gearing up to send a strong contingent comprising 259 members, including 174 athletes, who will showcase their skills and compete across 13 different sports during the event.
Meanwhile, in addition to pushing for improved incentives, Go has been instrumental in securing additional funding for sports development in the country. He successfully pushed for the increase of the Philippine Sports Commission’s 2023 budget, specifically allocating an additional one billion pesos to support athletes, both at the international level and in grassroots programs.
“Ako po ang nagsulong sa Senado, ‘yung pinasa po sa NEP (National Expenditure Program) sa budget ng PSC, more or less PhP200 million lang po, dinagdagan po natin ng PhP1 billion to support our athletes,” said Go.
“Not only sa mga international competition, pati na rin po sa grassroots level program natin,” he added.
This boost in funding aims to provide comprehensive support, nurturing talent from the grassroots and paving the way for long-term sports development in the country.
Furthermore, Go has filed SBN 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, an important piece of legislation that aims to institutionalize a “mini Olympics” at the grassroots level.
This initiative is intended to provide a platform for athletes across the nation, particularly young individuals, to showcase their skills and compete at a national level.
“Target nating magkaroon ng long-term grassroots sports development program po sa ating mga kababayan, sa mga kabataan,” noted Go.
Go said that the Philippine National Games will not only promote sports but also serve as a means to steer youth away from drugs and illegal activities.
“Isa po ito sa pamamaraan to get into sports, stay away from drugs. Isa po ito sa pamamaraan na ilayo natin ang kabataan sa iligal na droga. At isa ito sa pamamaraan na maipagpatuloy ang kampanya ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na labanan ang iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” he said.
Go has consistently shown his unwavering support for Filipino athletes participating in international competitions.
In 2021, in response to a request from the Philippine Sports Commission, Go facilitated the approval of additional allowances for athletes who represented the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in Japan.
Furthermore, on May 12 to 13, Go made a personal visit to Cambodia to demonstrate his solidarity with Filipino athletes competing in the SEA Games. Accompanied by Senate President Miguel Zubiri, Senator Francis Tolentino, and other officials, Go showed his support and encouragement for the Filipino contingent during the event.