When Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reflects on the rise of Filipino athletes competing on the global stage, he often emphasizes a simple yet resonant mantra: sports as a vehicle for national pride and youth development. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go has turned this principle into action.
Over the past two years, Go has facilitated substantial funding to ensure that Filipino athletes not only participate but excel in their respective fields. Through his partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Go has underscored the importance of accessibility and preparation in achieving success on the global stage.
One of the many beneficiaries of this support is Rene Dofitas of the Bacolod United Football Club. With financial assistance provided through Go and PSC’s initiative, Dofitas and his team represented the country in the prestigious 3rd Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin Challenge Trophy Xmail FC Veterans 9s Football Tournament in Malaysia.
Similarly, the Philippine Bowling Federation received sponsorship for the 4th Philippine International Open Championships, a vital platform to elevate Filipino bowlers in the international arena.
For Go, these initiatives extend beyond financial figures. “Ang sports ay hindi lamang tungkol sa laro; ito rin ay isang paraan para magkaisa, mapalakas ang disiplina, at magbigay ng inspirasyon sa kabataan,” he shared. He consistently emphasizes the power of sports as a unifying force that molds discipline and inspires youth to pursue healthier lifestyles.
This philosophy resonates in the smaller, community-focused programs he supports. Rey Joble, representing the Judge Juan Luna High School Alumni Association, received support for a local sports event aimed at engaging young athletes in grassroots competitions.
On the other end of the spectrum, Go has ensured substantial aid for elite competitors such as Joyce Gail Reboton, who represented the Philippines at the World Equipped Powerlifting Championships under the guidance of Equinox Athlete Management Philippines.
Go’s message to the youth is clear: “As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!”
Go’s support also extends to niche sports that often struggle for recognition and funding. Praj dela Cruz of the Philippine National Climbing Team, for example, has received financial aid to enhance training regimens, while Gigi Gorre was supported for an international sports competition.
To further institutionalize his vision for sports development, Go played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in their sports and academic endeavors.
In addition to his efforts with NAS, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. The Bicameral Conference Committee Report of this bill was ratified by the Senate on September 23. It seeks to institutionalize a structured national sports program that not only promotes grassroots sports but also provides opportunities for aspiring athletes to compete at the national level.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin ang pagkakataong makatulong sa ating mga atleta at kabataang Pilipino. Patuloy po akong magtatrabaho upang mapalakas ang sports development sa bansa, dahil ang aking bisyo ay ang pagseserbisyo,” said Go, widely recognized as Mr. Malasakit for his unwavering commitment to uplifting Filipinos through compassionate and effective public service.
