SENATE Committee on Sports and Youth Chairman Christopher ‘Bong’ Go emphasized the importance of promoting sportsmanship among youth as he attended the opening ceremony of the Pilipinas Super League or PSL in San Juan City.

The event at FilOil EcoOil Centre gathered basketball players, coaches, PSL staff, and sports enthusiasts, reflecting basketball’s immense popularity and significance in Filipino culture.

There are 11 competitive teams that are set to vie for the championship, including the Biñan Beast Motorcycle Tire Game X, Gensan Warriors, San Juan Kings, Caloocan Supremos, Pureblends Similan Black Fox, Top Tier Athletics Lipa Batangas, Chichi Albayanos, Ver Diamonds, Pilipinas Navy Aguilas, Pangasinan Abono Reapers, and Pablo Valiant Kings Davao Del Norte.

In his speech, Senator Go highlighted the values that basketball instills, such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience.

“Basketball is more than just a game. It is a way to shape character, inspire others, and strengthen our communities,” he remarked.

A sports enthusiast and basketball player himself, Senator Go shared his excitement for the PSL season.

“As someone who also enjoys basketball, I know how this sport can bring people together and create lasting positive impacts, especially for the youth. Kapag tayo ay physically fit, hahaba po ang ating buhay,” he said.

Go reiterated his commitment to promoting sports as a means of steering the youth away from vices like illegal drugs.

He underscored his advocacy, encapsulated in his message: “Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit.”

“Kaya naman laging paalala ko sa mga kabataan, mag-sports tayo at umiwas sa iligal na droga upang manatiling malusog at maayos ang ating buhay.”

Go also issued a stern reminder to everyone in attendance about maintaining the integrity of the sport, emphasizing that game-fixing should never be tolerated.

“Please lang, may pakiusap lang ako sa inyo. Mas masarap sa pakiramdam kung pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan niyo ang inyong panalo. Wag kayong pumayag if ever na may lumapit sa inyo na ilaglag yung laro. Honesty is the best policy sa mundong ito,” Go reminded.