SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go was lauded for his dedication to improve sports in the grassroots, to go with his role in pursuing key policies for the benefit of Filipino athletes.
Veteran sports journalist Joaquin Henson and Olympian silver and bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio expressed their gratitude to Senator Go, the senate committee on sports chairman since 2019, for helping elevate Philippine sports.
According to Henson, Go has been at the forefront of the country’s efforts to increase funding for the preparation, training, and competitive performance of Filipino athletes, while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
Nesthy Petecio, a silver-medalist during the Tokyo games and a bronze winner in 2024 Paris games, also acknowledged Go in her speech: “Kay Senator Bong Go, maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta sa mga atleta. Maraming salamat po, lalo na sa grassroots. Patuloy niyo lang po kaming sinusuportahan, Sir dahil alam ko napakadami pa pong nasa grassroots na gusto maging tulad namin.”
Go attended the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Manila Hotel, giving his all-out support to all awardees like presenting the Athlete of the Year award to gymnast Carlos Yulo, a two-time gold medalist in the Paris Olympics.
“Ang tagumpay ng ating mga atleta ay tagumpay ng buong bansa. Kaya naman, hindi natin sila pababayaan. Patuloy tayong magsusulong ng mga programa na magpapalakas ng Philippine sports,” Go said.
As the senate committee chairman on sports, he pushed for the approval of higher annual funding budget for sports, thereby helping the country win three Olympic gold medals — one from weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in Tokyo in 2021 and two from gymnast Yulo in Paris last year.
As a known advocate of grassroots sports development, Go has consistently pushed for increased funding to improve training programs, athlete incentives, and sports facilities across the country.
He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The NAS serves as a premier institution to develop young athletes, while ensuring they receive quality education alongside their sports training.
Senator Go also played a key role in securing the country’s successful hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where Filipino athletes delivered historic performances.
“Ang ating mga kabataan ay may potensyal na maging world-class athlete’s kung mabibigyan sila ng tamang suporta. Kaya dapat nating siguruhing may sapat na pondo, tamang training facilities, at mga programang magpapalakas sa kanila,” he emphasized.