Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains focused on extending his utmost support to the country’s sports sector as he urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure that athletes are well-supported especially during international sports competitions.
During the Senate Committee on Sports hearing on Monday, September 12, Go, who heads the committee, acknowledged all Filipino athletes who showed outstanding performances in several international sports competitions even amid the pandemic.
He hailed Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first ever gold since joining the olympics during the Women’s Weightlifting 55kg event in the Tokyo Olympics; Alexandra “Alex” Eala for becoming the first Filipino to win a juniors singles Grand Slam match in lawn tennis; pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena for his record-breaking success at the men’s pole vault competition in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, and his recent winning streak in the 2022 Golden Fly Series in Europe; and many others.
“The achievements of our athletes are results of sheer determination, perseverance, and hard work. Ang kanila pong pagbibigay sarikpisyo ang isa sa mga susi sa matagumpay nating pakikilahok sa iba’t ibang mga competitions, whether domestic or abroad,” expressed Go in his opening statement.
“As Chair of this Committee and an avid sports enthusiast, let me reiterate my unwavering commitment for the advancement and promotion of a national sports development program in the country through formulating relevant policies and extending assistance to our athletes,” he reaffirmed.
Go then reiterated the importance of investing in grassroots sports development. He cited how giving opportunities to promising athletes to participate in international sports events will not only highlight the skills and talents of Filipinos, but will also show the world how far the country has come in terms of progress.
Furthermore, the senator maintained that if the government continuously provides support to the sports sector, it will significantly instill discipline, sportsmanship and hard work in the young athletes, and help them avoid illegal drugs and other vices.
“As I have said many times before, investing in sports will not only enable us to develop world class athletes, but it will also help us in keeping our youth away from illegal drugs and other harmful vices. Isang paraan ito para ipagpatuloy ang kampanya laban sa iligal na droga,” said Go.
“Kapag bumibisita ako sa mga komunidad, lagi kong ipinapayo sa mga kabataan na umiwas sa droga at sa halip ay ibuhos ang oras nila sa eskwela at iba pang produktibong gawain tulad ng sports. Namimigay ako ng mga sapatos, bola at iba pang kagamitan para maengganyo sila na lumahok sa mga larong pampalakasan,” he shared.
The senator then noted the crucial role of the Philippine Sports Commission in ensuring the efficient implementation and promotion of the country’s sports development programs.
“It is also important to note that one of the functions of the Philippine Sports Commission is to exercise supervisory and visitorial powers over the national sports associations in connection with their sports promotion and development programs with respect to which financial assistance is extended by the Commission,” Go said.
Aside from being an organizational meeting where the committee discussed legislative priorities and policy direction with sports officials and stakeholders, Go also tackled the preparations being made to ensure the successful hosting of the Philippines of the FIBA World Cup next year.
“We need to study how we can support our athletes so that they will be motivated to answer to the call of representing our country in international competitions and in this case in the upcoming FIBA World Cup,” he said.
Senator Go, together with Senators Joel Villanueva, Alan Peter Cayetano, Mark Villar and Francis Tolentino, had earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 83 urging the Committee on Sports to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the ways to support Gilas Pilipinas and, in the process, review the relevant laws and policies to ensure optimal performance in future international sports competitions and to protect the welfare of our Filipino athletes.
“Nandito po tayo upang alamin kung papaano po ba makakatulong ang inyong Senado at ang gobyerno para sa hosting ng FIBA sa susunod na taon at para mabigyan ng suporta ang Philippine national basketball team sa international competitions,” he underscored.
“Naalala ko nanawagan sa amin nina Senator Angara at Senator Villanueva ang ilang netizens na gumawa kami ng paraan paano matulungan ang Gilas, nandito po kami ngayon para tumulong,” he added.
The senators also stressed the need to study how the government can support athletes so that they will be motivated to answer to the call of representing the country in international competitions.
“Nabalitaan ko na marami sa ating mga atleta ang pina-pirate at kinukuha ng ibang bansa dahil maaaring mas malaki o mas mataas ang oportunidad doon. Kagaya rin po ng ating mga nurses na hindi naman natin mapigilan mangibang bansa kahit mawalay sila sa kanilang mga pamilya dahil mas malaki ang sweldo abroad,” Go cited.
“In this hearing, we will not criticize nor intervene. Hindi po kami mangingialam sa pamamalakad at lalo na sa strategy ninyo. We just want to know the current state so that we know how we can help. Magtulungan po tayo,” he clarified.
“Huwag nating sayangin ang pagkakataon na tayo po ang host, sana maging maganda po ang ating hosting pati na rin ang ating standing, para na rin po sa ating mga kababayan. We are ready to cheer for you,” he added.
Earlier, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.
“Isa po talaga sa mga pangarap ko ang pagkakaroon ng National Academy of Sports na kumpleto sa mga makabagong pasilidad, silid-aralan at tirahan ng ating mga scholar at nakabatay sa international standards. Bukod sa paghasa sa ating mga kabataan sa larangan ng sports, pagkakalooban din sila ng de-kalidad na edukasyon. Makakapag-aral sila at the same time training, and vice versa,” explained Go.
Later that day, Go sponsored Senate Resolution No. 200 congratulating and commending the officials and athletes of the Philippine National Muay Thai Youth team, otherwise known as “Team Bagsik”, for bagging wins during the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) Youth World Championships.
He also co-sponsored a Senate resolution commending and congratulating Alexandra “Alex” Eala for becoming the first Filipino to win a juniors singles Grand Slam match in tennis.
