BONG GO’S SUPPORT FUELS GRASSROOTS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND PROVIDES YOUTH WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL IN CHOSEN FIELDS

From 2023 to 2024, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go—chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports—has championed local sports programs nationwide, breathing life into grassroots sports development. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Go’s support has provided essential resources to various sports initiatives, sparking the spirit of competition and unity in communities across the Philippines.

For Go, this is more than an initiative. It is a reminder of the power of sports to shape young lives. “Ang panawagan natin sa kabataan: sumali sa sports, iwasan ang droga para maging malusog at malakas,” he often says, urging the youth to embrace healthy lifestyles over harmful vices.

To name a few initiatives that Go supported with the PSC, they sponsored annual sports tournaments in Corcuera, Romblon; Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental; Surallah, South Cotabato; and Tunga, Leyte. They also supported sports clinics such as those held in Quezon province.

They also supported sectoral sports events such as the Inter-TODA Basketball League in Dinalupihan, Bataan and the Majestic Surfing Cup in Catanduanes.

From annual tournaments to sports clinics and leagues, Go’s assistance has created vibrant spaces for youth to cultivate their skills, keeping them active and fostering unity within their communities.

This broad network of support not only equips communities but instills pride and shared purpose. “Kapag sinuportahan natin ang mga sports program sa bawat barangay, nagbibigay tayo ng pag-asa sa mga kabataan at hinuhubog ang kanilang kinabukasan,” Go emphasized, underscoring sports as a foundation for youth development. He is also the Chair of the Senate Youth Committee.

As a legislator, Go played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports 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 Act. The Bicameral Conference Committee Report of this bill was ratified by the Senate on September 23. 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, 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.

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.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.