SENATOR Christopher Bong Go has reiterated his call for sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development as the roofing project of the University of the Philippines Mindanao swimming pool nears completion.

During an inspection at the university’s Mintal campus in Davao City, Go joined officials from the Philippine Sports Commission, university administrators, and project engineers to assess the progress of the facility.

The roofing component is expected to be completed by April 2026.

Among those present were UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Murao and Vice Chancellor Stella Rosell, along with members of the Rosell family and engineers overseeing the construction.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports, emphasized the importance of accessible and well-maintained facilities, particularly in the regions, to give athletes equal opportunities to train and compete.

He stressed that athletes outside Metro Manila should not be left behind in terms of sports development, noting that safe and modern venues are essential for nurturing talent nationwide.

Project updates presented during the inspection showed that the roofing is nearing completion, while preparations are underway for the next phase of development, estimated at ₱50 million, which aims to further enhance the facility.

The senator also highlighted the need for continuous coordination among stakeholders to ensure the timely completion and immediate use of such projects.

Go underscored the role of regional institutions like UP Mindanao in developing future athletes, saying that universities play a crucial part in honing talent at the grassroots level.

As sponsor of the national sports budget, Go has supported the rehabilitation and upgrading of major facilities, including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

He noted that beyond infrastructure, athletes must also receive adequate support in training, equipment, nutrition, and mental health services to remain competitive on the global stage.

Since assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, Go has overseen a period of notable achievements in Philippine athletics, including the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a double gold medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The senator maintained that continued investment in infrastructure, grassroots programs, and institutional support is vital to sustaining progress in Philippine sports and helping more Filipino athletes achieve international success.