Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, continues to advocate for the development of a stronger and improved sports sector in the country.
On Thursday, the senator flew to Cambodia to show his support and cheer for the Filipino athletes participating in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games.
He emphasized the importance of sports in promoting national pride and unity, and thanked the athletes for bringing honor to the country.
Go said he joins fellow senators Migz Zubiri and Francis Tolentino to support the athletes competing for medals.
“Congratulations po sa ating mga atleta! Ang Pilipino po ay kilala dahil sa ating puso at lumalaban tayo hanggang sa huli. Talagang lumalaban ang Pilipino. Inspirasyon kayo ng mga kababayan natin, mga atleta, kaya nandito kami to support you,” he said.
Go said sports can have a positive impact on the country, not just in terms of promoting a healthy lifestyle but also in creating opportunities for Filipinos to excel in the field and bring pride to the nation.
He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to sports development.
Go said that he sponsored and defended additional funding for the Philippine Sports Commission during its 2023 budget deliberation, particularly for grassroots sports development and in support of athletes joining international competitions.
“Like before, the athletes have my support. I fought for a P1 billion budget for the PSC for its grassroots program and support for athletes competing in the SEA and Asian
The senator also pledged to continue supporting the development of the country’s sports sector, and to provide assistance to Filipino athletes as they pursue their dreams of excellence in sports.
Go earlier authored and co-sponsored in the Senate Republic Act 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure that promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education.
He also filed Senate Bill 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development.