Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to youth and sports development during the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) 2025 University Intramurals in Manila on Tuesday, October 22.
The sportsfest, part of the university’s 120th founding anniversary, featured participating teams from various offices, colleges, and PUP branches, with around 500-600 attendees, including students, faculty, and sports enthusiasts. Go’s Malasakit Team attended the event and provided various forms of support to participants.
Go, who chairs both the Senate Committees on youth and on sports, praised the organizers for fostering a culture of sportsmanship and camaraderie through events like this.
“Ang mga ganitong palaro ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pisikal na aktibidad kundi isang paraan para mas mapalapit ang kabataan sa disiplina at pagkakaisa,” Go said.
He further emphasized the importance of sports as a tool for holistic development, saying, “Naniniwala akong malaki ang papel ng sports sa paghubog ng mga kabataan bilang responsableng mga mamamayan. Sa bawat laro, natututo tayo ng disiplina, teamwork, at pakikiisa na mga aral na dala natin sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay.”
“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he added.
Go has consistently pushed for programs and initiatives that promote sports in education and local communities, believing that athletic programs instill important values and provide opportunities for personal growth.
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.
Meanwhile, Go expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Prof. Roseller Malabanan, overall chairman of the event, PUP President Dr. Manuel Muhi, and 2024 University Intramurals overall chairman Lualhati dela Cruz for their dedication in organizing the sportsfest.
Go’s support for the PUP sportsfest is part of his broader initiative to boost athletic programs in schools nationwide.
“Sa pagsuporta natin sa ganitong mga programa bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, tinutulungan din natin ang mga kabataan na mailayo sila sa bisyo at mas mapalapit sa tamang landas. Patuloy kong isusulong ang mga ganitong proyekto para sa kabataang Pilipino dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo,” Go concluded.
As Chairperson of the Senate Sports Committee since 2019, Go has also been instrumental in shaping the future of Philippine sports. Under his leadership, sufficient support and focus on sports development has resulted in numerous feats such as the country winning its first Olympic Gold medals, hosting the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, as well as other commendable performances by Filipino athletes in international competitions.
He has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
