BONG GO’S ENDURING ASSIST: HOW THE SENATOR CHAMPIONS GRASSROOTS BASKETBALL

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s efforts to nurture the nation’s love for basketball extend beyond the polished courts of professional leagues. As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, a fan of the sport, and an athlete himself, Senator Go has made it a priority to ensure that aspiring athletes—especially those in grassroots leagues—receive the support they need to play, excel, and inspire.

In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Senator Go’s advocacy has touched communities nationwide, providing vital financial assistance to countless basketball programs.

“Ang sports ay hindi lamang para sa kompetisyon kundi paraan din ito upang mailayo ang kabataan sa bisyo at magkaroon ng disiplina. As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” said Senator Go.

Among those who have directly benefited from his initiatives is Donna Marie Roces, who requested financial aid for a basketball league. Roces’ league, like many others, provides young athletes with opportunities to showcase their talent, build teamwork, and foster a sense of community. Another beneficiary, Dennis Bernardo, received support for his league’s needs, underscoring the breadth of Senator Go’s reach.

In Pampanga, Primo Caluyo, Jr. of the Max Ballers Team also turned to the senator for assistance, ensuring his players could participate in tournaments despite financial hurdles. Similarly, the LEVEL-UP Basketball Camp—focused on honing the skills of student-athletes and coaching staff—received aid to cover expenses, a gesture that affirmed Senator Go’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of sports leaders.

From rural barangays to regional tournaments, Senator Go’s support with the PSC has fueled the dreams of budding athletes. Over the past years, the senator’s office worked closely with the PSC to disburse financial support to basketball leagues and other sports initiatives, ensuring these programs not only survive but thrive.

The senator’s commitment to grassroots basketball also extends to his legislative work. As a staunch advocate of sports development, Senator Go has pushed for measures aimed at strengthening the country’s sports infrastructure.

In one of his speeches, he emphasized the importance of investing in youth programs: “Kung gusto nating magkaroon ng world-class athletes, dapat magsimula tayo sa barangay level. Kailangan nilang makita na suportado sila.”

Senator 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, Senator 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.

As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Senator Go has been instrumental in securing support for the country’s sports development. He advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City, believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.

Senator Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

Basketball, a sport deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino culture, often begins on improvised courts in barangays. For many young Filipinos, it serves as a stepping stone to larger aspirations. Senator Go’s interventions—pragmatic yet heartfelt—have ensured that financial barriers do not stifle these dreams.

“Sports teach us discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. By investing in our youth and their love for basketball, we are investing in the future of our nation,” said Senator Go.

As Chairperson of the Senate Youth Committee, Go continues to urge government to prioritize sports engagement among citizens, not only for elite athletes but also for aspiring youth athletes, especially at the grassroots.

“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he said earlier.