SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairman of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, attended the opening ceremony of the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) in San Juan City on Saturday, December 21.
The event at FilOil EcoOil Centre gathered basketball players, coaches, PSL staff, and sports enthusiasts, reflecting basketball’s immense popularity and significance in Filipino culture.
There are 11 competitive teams who set to vie for the championship, including the Biñan Beast Motorcycle Tire Game X, Gensan Warriors, San Juan Kings, Caloocan Supremos, Pureblends Similan Black Fox, Top Tier Athletics Lipa Batangas, Chichi Albayanos, Ver Diamonds, Pilipinas Navy Aguilas, Pangasinan Abono Reapers, and Pablo Valiant Kings Davao Del Norte.
In his keynote speech, Senator Go highlighted the values that basketball instills, such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. “Basketball is more than just a game. It is a way to shape character, inspire others, and strengthen our communities,” he remarked.
A sports enthusiast and basketball player himself, Senator Go shared his excitement for the PSL season. “As someone who also enjoys basketball, I know how this sport can bring people together and create lasting positive impacts, especially for the youth. Kapag tayo ay physically fit, hahaba po ang ating buhay,” he said.
Senator Go reiterated his commitment to promoting sports as a means of steering the youth away from vices like illegal drugs. He underscored his advocacy, encapsulated in his message: “Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit.”
“Kaya naman laging paalala ko sa mga kabataan, mag-sports tayo at umiwas sa iligal na droga upang manatiling malusog at maayos ang ating buhay.”
Senator Go also issued a stern reminder to everyone in attendance about maintaining the integrity of the sport, emphasizing that game-fixing should never be tolerated. “Please lang, may pakiusap lang ako sa inyo. Mas masarap sa pakiramdam kung pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan niyo ang inyong panalo. Wag kayong pumayag if ever na may lumapit sa inyo na ilaglag yung laro. Honesty is the best policy sa mundong ito,” Senator Go reminded.
After the formal program, Senator Go stayed to watch the highly anticipated match between Biñan Beast Motorcycle Tire Game X and Gensan Warriors, showing his unwavering support for the league and its athletes.
The senator also shared significant strides in his legislative efforts to support Philippine sports. These include the passage of the Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports. 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. Go is the author and the co-sponsor of the said law.
In addition to his efforts with NAS, Senator Go principally sponsored and authored 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.
As the PSL kicks off with high energy and enthusiasm, Senator Go encourages young athletes to dream big and persevere through challenges. “No matter how tough the road gets, never stop chasing your dreams. Discipline, faith, and malasakit will take you far,” he said, addressing the crowd.
The Pilipinas Super League opening ceremony concluded with an electrifying showcase of talent and determination, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season of basketball action.
“Mabuhay ang ating kabataang atleta! Mabuhay ang basketball sa Pilipinas!” Senator Go exclaimed as he reaffirmed his dedication to supporting Filipino athletes and advancing sports development across the nation.
