SENATOR Francis Tolentino on Tuesday called for the integration of all local government units’ sports academies in the country for the promotion and development of various sports at the grassroots level.

During the budget hearing of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on the proposed 2024 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusement Board, Tolentino expressed his full support for the PSC and GAB budgets to advance sports in the country.

He also suggested the creation of One Town, One Sports bill that will underscore the sports specialization of each town such as boxing of General Santos City, baseball of Anilao, Iloilo, and Tagaytay’s combat sports, among others.

“One Town, One Sports law will highlight the specialization of each town to help the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusement Board and the entire sports sector in the Philippines,” Tolentino said.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go vowed to prioritize the welfare and training of the Philippine national athletes and to promote and develop sports at the grassroots level.

Go encouraged the youth to engage themselves in sports.

“As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, I firmly believe that sports will help us in keeping our youth away from illegal drugs and other harmful vices. Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go stressed.

“We also aim to make our mark in the world of sports and develop more world class athletes who can bring pride, honor, and medals to our country,” he added.