MONTHS after the successful “Nurses Run the World: Investing in Nurses, Investing on Health” event last June 22, the impact of this meaningful initiative continues to resonate among healthcare workers.
Organized by the Philippine Nurses Association Zone 3 (Quezon City and Marikina Chapter), the fun run was made possible with significant support from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). This collaboration underscored the vital role of sports in promoting both physical and mental health, particularly for those in the healthcare sector.
The sponsorship of Go and the PSC helped in the logistical needs and for additional programs benefiting participating nurses. This collaboration aims at bridging sports and health.
As Go highlighted at the time,
“Laging ko pong pinapaalala sa ating mga kabataan, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs para manatili tayong malusog at malakas!”
“Bilang Chair ng mga komite sa Senado na namamahala sa sports, youth at health, adbokasiya ko na mapalakas ang ating health system, mapaglaban ang kapakanan ng health workers, at magsulong ng mga programa na maeenganyo ang kabataan na makilahok sa sports tungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” he explained.
The funds raised during the event helped the Philippine Nurses Association Zone 3 sustain several ongoing projects, including the “Care for Carers” program, designed to offer nurses much-needed support, from mental health resources to physical wellness activities.
“Nurses have always been the backbone of our healthcare system, and through sports, we can promote their well-being,” Go remarked.
Beyond his support for sports and wellness initiatives, Go has also been active in promoting mental health services. He filed Senate Bill No. 2598, which aims to require public higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish mental health offices on their campuses.
Additionally, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2200, the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. These legislative measures further underscore his commitment to holistic well-being, addressing both physical and mental health across various sectors of society.
His advocacy for promoting health through sports have become part of a broader strategy to ensure that sports serve not just athletes but all sectors of society, particularly those who need it the most.
Go’s commitment to sports development extends beyond events like these. As Chairperson of the Senate Sports Committee since 2019, Go has also been instrumental in shaping the future of Philippine sports. During his tenure, 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 on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
Through his collaboration with the PSC, they have supported other similar sports competitions, sports clinics, and provision of sports equipment at the community level to provide aspiring athletes the opportunities to hone their skills.
He also played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470, offering student-athletes a dual path for academic and athletic success.
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 opportunites for aspiring athletes to compete in the national level.
As Go continues to lead these initiatives, his message remains clear: sports can be a vehicle for positive change, reaching beyond the playing field to uplift communities and essential workers alike.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.
