In a bid to bolster the sports sector in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, has been pushing for legislations that aim to establish the Philippine National Games and expand benefits for para athletes.
These proposed bills, according to Go, have the potential to transform the country’s sporting landscape, providing a solid foundation for athletes to excel and thrive on national and international platforms.
Senate Bill No. 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games Act, seeks to provide a platform for athletes across the nation, particularly young individuals, to showcase their skills and compete at the national level.
It likewise seeks to ensure a more inclusive system of promoting promising Filipino athletes who possess potential in various fields of sports to be given an equal opportunity of becoming future contenders in international sporting competitions and cement the country’s status as a “Sports Powerhouse in Asia”.
“The Philippine National Games is a nationwide multi-sport event that aims to unite Filipino athletes from all regions of the country. This event seeks to promote inclusivity, encourage grassroots participation, and discover and develop exceptional talents in various sports disciplines,” explained Go.
“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.
The Philippine National Games will serve as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and gain exposure to national and international sports bodies.
By creating a prestigious sporting event of this magnitude, the country can raise the profile of local athletes and foster a culture of excellence in sports across the nation, stressed Go.
Meanwhile, Go recently filed SBN 2116 which seeks to amend Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.”
Recognizing the challenges faced by para athletes in their pursuit of sporting excellence, Go has also championed the said legislation aimed at expanding benefits for these individuals to make sports development more inclusive to all.
If approved, the bill will enhance the incentives for para athletes, bringing them at par with other national athletes competing in international competitions. The proposed measure intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.
“Para athletes overcome tremendous challenges and display remarkable determination and skill to compete at the highest level of international sports competitions. However, their exceptional accomplishments often go unrecognized or are overshadowed,” Go remarked.
“I have filed a bill to increase the incentives of medalists in international para competitions to be at par with other international competitions of the same caliber,” he said.
Go also emphasized that government support is crucial for athletes, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, as it helps alleviate the financial burden of training, equipment, and participation in national and international competitions.
The lawmaker’s proposed measure aims to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for athletes, empowering them to focus on their athletic endeavors and achieve their full potential.
“I urge my fellow lawmakers for their support. These proposed bills have the potential to revolutionize the sporting landscape in the country by fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and support for athletes at all levels,” Go stressed.
“By providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and by offering comprehensive support, we can nurture a new generation of world-class athletes and para athletes who can bring honor and pride to the nation,” he concluded.
Last May 23, in a video message during the send-off ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Go took the opportunity to convey his unwavering support to the athletes participating in the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from June 3 to 9.
“Our delegation, comprised of 174 of our country’s finest athletes, are not just participants. They are embodiments of the Filipino spirit – laban ng Pilipino, pusong Pilipino. They will compete in 13 sports, a testament to the breadth and depth of their abilities,” Go emphasized.
“Nais ko pong ipaabot sa inyo ang suporta ng buong bansa sa inyong magiging laban sa Cambodia. Anuman ang maging resulta nito, para sa lahat ng mga Pilipino, kayo po ang aming kampeon. Ang inyong mga tagumpay ay tagumpay ng ating bansa, at ang inyong mga laban ay laban din namin. We, as a nation, are rooting for you,” he encouraged.