Nation

SENATOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING FILIPINO ATHLETES

/ 8 January 2025

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, reaffirmed his advocacy for strengthening grassroots sports programs and continuing support for Filipino athletes through government funding and initiatives.

Go has played a crucial role in securing financial support for athletes and promoting community-based sports activities that benefit Filipinos nationwide.

He highlighted the 2025 budget allocation for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), emphasizing the importance of investing in athletes’ development—not just for competitive success, but for nation-building as well.

“Kailangan nating suportahan ang ating mga atleta at kabataang mahilig sa sports, hindi lang para sa karangalan ng bansa kundi para na rin sa kalusugan at pagkakaisa ng ating mga komunidad,” Go said.

Through his efforts, the PSC has allocated funds for community sports tournaments, ensuring aspiring athletes have access to opportunities and resources. These initiatives aim to use sports as a tool for health, discipline, and unity.

Go also expressed his belief in the transformative power of sports:

“Sa pamamagitan ng sports, nabibigyan natin ng pag-asa ang mga kabataan na tuparin ang kanilang mga pangarap, habang natututo silang maging responsable at maayos na mamamayan,” he added.

In addition to financial support, Senator Go played a key role in the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) under Republic Act No. 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, the NAS offers secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, providing student-athletes with the foundation they need to excel both academically and athletically.