IN a nation where basketball reigns supreme, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has been quietly amplifying the presence of other sports such as football. As chair of the Senate Committees on Sorts and on Youth, Senator Go’s advocacy extends into the heart of the sport, notably through his support for grassroots programs like Ang Liga, the premier collegiate football league in the Philippines.
Recent triumphs on the international stage, including the Philippine team’s historic victory over Thailand in the ASEAN Championship, reflect the fruits of such endeavors.
Ang Liga, a key driver of collegiate football development, recently received financial assistance upon the request of its head, Karl Francis Tan. With Senator Go’s collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), they provided support to ensure the league’s continued success. This support underscores Senator Go’s larger vision: nurturing a structured sports ecosystem that bridges grassroots programs with elite competition.
“Ang Liga is not just about football—it’s about building character and creating opportunities for our youth,” Senator Go said. “Ito ang layunin natin: palakasin ang kabataan sa pamamagitan ng sports at ilayo sila sa bisyo. As I always remind our youth, get into sports, and stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!”
The PSC, with Go’s utmost support in the Senate, has become a lifeline for football and other sports. In recent years, it allocated substantial funds to bolster facilities, support competitions, and fund athletes’ development.
Senator Go’s commitment, however, goes beyond financial support. He played a crucial role in the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) through Republic Act No. 11470 which he authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS provides secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, preparing student-athletes to excel academically and athletically.
As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go has been instrumental in securing support for the country’s sports development. He advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City, believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.
Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
“Grassroots sports hold the key to our international success,” Senator Go stated. His advocacy has already borne fruit with the renovation of iconic venues like Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Philsports Arena, providing Filipino athletes with world-class facilities.
While football continues to gain momentum, recent achievements like the Philippine men’s football team’s nail-biting 2-1 victory against Thailand are reminders of the sport’s potential. This victory was particularly historic, marking the first time the Philippines defeated Thailand in 52 years, with the last win dating back to the 1972 Jakarta Cup.
Beyond football, Go remains a staunch advocate for athletes’ holistic development. By ensuring proper training environments, nutrition, mental health support, and competitive opportunities, he envisions a Philippine sports landscape that thrives on excellence.
“As we build our nation’s future, let us inspire our youth through sports—not just to win medals but to become champions in life,” Senator Go concluded.
