BONG GO’S PUSH FOR GRASSROOTS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT EMPOWERS BUSTOS, BULACAN’S ASPIRING FOOTBALL STARS

The revival of a cherished legacy can spark not only community pride but also a resurgence of dreams, especially for the youth in Bustos, Bulacan.

Amid this backdrop, a heartfelt letter from the Bustos United Football Club addressed to the Philippine Sports Commission requested financial support for essential sports equipment. This appeal marked the beginning of a renewed journey, an initiative strongly supported and facilitated by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports as well as on Youth.

The club, a collective of both seasoned and budding football enthusiasts from Bustos, reached out with a simple yet profound request: support to reclaim their status as champions and nurture new talent. Understanding the profound impact of sports on youth development, Go responded with a commitment that transcends mere financial assistance.

“Sports build character, discipline, and teamwork. By reigniting the passion for football in Bustos, we are not just teaching a game; we are preparing our youth for life’s bigger challenges,” Go remarked.

The Bustos United FC, under the leadership of President Mark Gumasing, secured financial support amounting to PhP200,000. This funding was strategically used to purchase essential equipment such as balls, goals, and nets, laying a solid foundation for enhanced training and a competitive resurgence.

This strategic support aligns with Go’s vision that nurturing grassroots sports is pivotal in fostering national pride and personal development.

The senator 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 also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. This bill, which successfully passed the Senate on its third and final reading on May 20, seeks to institutionalize a structured national sports program that not only promotes grassroots sports but also aligns with the national sports development strategy.

The partnership of senator Go and the PSC has been a catalyst for community engagement, drawing attention not only to the needs of the Bustos United Football Club but also to the broader potential of sports as a unifying and empowering force.

This endeavor may seem localized in scope, but its echoes are felt across the region, encouraging other communities to advocate for sports development.

“Sa bawat pagsuporta natin sa mga sports initiatives tulad nito, hindi lamang natin binubuhay ang ating tradisyon ng kahusayan kundi pinalalakas rin natin ang kanilang potensyal na magtagumpay hindi lamang sa larangan ng sports kundi pati na rin sa buhay,” Go, known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service, said.

“Let us continue to support our athletes while also exerting efforts to expand grassroots sports programs to provide opportunities for our youth to excel in their chosen fields not only in sports but in life! As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he urged.