‘SUPORTA SA MGA KABATAANG ATLETA’ — BONG GO ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO GET INTO SPORTS, STAY AWAY FROM ILLEGAL DRUGS TO BE HEALTHY AND FIT AS HE SUPPORTS PRISAA GAMES IN LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY

On Friday, July 26, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was the guest speaker at the closing ceremonies of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City, Albay. He addressed more or less 2,000 young athletes and emphasized the importance of sports in youth development and nation-building.

“Ipinapaabot ko ang aking mainit na pagbati sa lahat ng naririto sa Closing Ceremonies ng PRISAA National Games 2024 dito sa napakagandang lungsod ng Legazpi City, Albay. Labis akong nagagalak sa pagsisikap ninyong lahat na palakasin ang ating mga atleta at sports programs sa buong bansa,” expressed Go in his speech.

To promote grassroots sports programs and mold aspiring young athletes, Senator Go supported the 2024 PRISAA games through a sponsorship provided for the annual event together with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“Nais ko rin ibahagi na ating dinagdagan ang pondo para sa Philippine Sports Commission sa taong ito at noong mga nakaraang taon. Ang pagtaas na ito ng mga resources ay upang lalo pang paunlarin ang paghahanda at pagsasanay ng ating mga atleta,” Go shared.

“Kasama sa ating isinulong sa PSC ang pagbigay ng assistance para sa pagsasagawa ng PRISAA National Games at para sa suporta sa mga regional tournaments ninyo,” he added.

Senator Go, who chairs both the Senate Committee on Sports and the Senate Committee on Youth, underscored the significance of sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie and resilience among the youth.

He then lauded PRISAA officials, led by National Chairperson Reverend Father Vicente Uy and Vice Chairperson Reverend Father Jessie Pasquin, current President Edgar Balasta, incoming President Esther Perez, Executive Director Bong Atilano, among others, for their collaborative efforts to make this year’s games a success. He also recognized the support of the PSC as well as the City Government of Legazpi led by Mayor Geraldine Rosal for supporting grassroots sports development initiatives such as this.

“Sports play a crucial role in the holistic development of our young generation. Through sports, we can instill values that will prepare them for the future, both as individuals and as members of our community,” he remarked.

He then took the opportunity to laud the athletes for their exceptional dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. “Nais ko ring ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pagbati sa mga atletang nagpakita ng inyong talento, sipag, at husay sa bawat kompetisyon. Ang inyong tagumpay ay hindi lamang para sa inyong sarili, kundi pati na rin para sa inyong paaralan, lalawigan, at sa buong bansa,” he said.

Providing them with shirts and other forms of aid, Go also highlighted the athletes’ ability to balance their academic responsibilities with their sporting pursuits, showcasing their exemplary time management skills and determination.

Furthermore, Senator Go commended the coaching staff for their unwavering support and guidance to the young athletes. “Sa mga coaches at mga officials, maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang gabay at pagmamahal sa ating mga atleta. Kayo ang mga tagapagtaguyod ng tamang disiplina at halimbawa ng tunay na pagmamahal sa larong ito,” Go added.

He emphasized that the coaches’ efforts in providing a positive environment for growth and development are crucial in building a strong foundation for the future of Philippine sports.

Senator Go, known for his fervent support for sports and youth initiatives, highlighted key legislative measures he has championed. As the principal author and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2514, or the Philippine National Games, which successfully passed the Senate on its third and final reading on May 20, Go aims to provide a comprehensive program that nurtures athletes from the grassroots level upto the international stage if enacted into law.

He also authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports, offering a secondary education program with a specialized sports curriculum developed jointly with the Department of Education and the PSC.

Senator Go has also continuously pushed for increased budget for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. This funding aims 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.

Furthermore, Go, in collaboration with the PSC, has also extended substantial financial support to Filipino athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics. During a ceremony at the PSC office in Manila in June, Go and PSC officials handed out checks worth PhP500,000 to each Olympian to aid in their preparations.

“Isang beses lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kaya anumang tulong ang pwede nating ibigay sa kapwa, o anumang karangalan ang pwede nating ialay sa bansa, ay gawin at ibigay na natin ngayon,” he said earlier.

Through these initiatives, Senator Go continues to support Filipino athletes, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve as they strive for excellence — from the grassroots up to the international stage.

“Let us continue to support and encourage our youth to engage in sports. Through our combined efforts, we can develop a nation of strong, resilient, and disciplined individuals ready to face the challenges of tomorrow,” Senator Go said.

“Sa mga kabataan, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he added.

On the same day, Go inspected the city’s Super Health Center and evacuation facility that he both advocated for and provided assistance to the city’s displaced workers and indigent residents.

“Patuloy akong susuporta at magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” ended Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service for those in need.