IN a time when the pulse of Philippine sports beats strongest in local communities, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go role as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports has extended far beyond legislation. He has become a practical source of support and encouragement for grassroots athletics, especially in Davao City, his hometown.
From March to August this year, Go’s partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) helped fund crucial athletic events, notably the Araw ng Davao Athletics Festival and the Davao City Athletics Open. These events, hosted at the University of Mindanao (UM) Athletic Facilities in Matina District, were buoyed by timely PSC support facilitated through Go’s support.
In March, the Davao Track and Field Association Inc. welcomed young athletes from across the region to compete in the Araw ng Davao Athletics Festival, an event vital to the development of homegrown talent in the sport. Go’s support allowed organizers to bridge funding gaps and keep the festival accessible for local participants.
“Dito tayo nagsisimula, sa simpleng mga programa sa sports sa kanayunan para mahubog ang kabataang atleta tungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Go shared, underscoring the lasting impact of sports on Filipino youth.
The support helped cover various logistical needs, from venue setup to awards and prizes, significantly lightening the burden on the festival’s organizing committee. Athletic events, especially in track and field, rarely make headlines on the national stage, yet they form the backbone of community sports culture, bringing together young hopefuls and seasoned coaches alike.
Go’s support echoed his longstanding call to “get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit.”
The support extended into August when the Davao City Athletics Open brought another wave of aspiring athletes to the same track.
“Hindi lahat ng batang atleta ay may pagkakataong makilahok sa mas malalaking liga. Kaya dapat tayo mismo, dito palang, nakasuporta na sa kanila,” Go emphasized.
At its core, Go’s advocacy for Philippine sports focuses on nurturing a strong foundation at the grassroots level. He 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.
For Davao City’s young athletes, the track has become more than just a place to compete. Thanks to Go and the PSC, it is a place of growth and possibility. This support represents not only an investment in the athletes themselves but also in the shared vision of the Philippines where sports provide paths to brighter futures and stronger communities.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil ang bisyo ko ay ang magserbisyo,” Mr. Malasakit Go emphasized, known for his dedicated support to Filipino athletes and youth.
