SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, emphasized the transformative role of sports in fostering discipline, camaraderie, and positive values among Filipino youth during the opening ceremony of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) All-Star Basketball Friendship Games on Wednesday, December 11, at Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City.
As Guest of Honor, Go lauded CHED’s efforts to promote sports and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak before athletes from various collegiate leagues, including the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), Association of Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (ALCUAA), and National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU).
“Napakahalaga ng ganitong mga pagkakataon para sa ating kabataan at para sa larangan ng sports sa ating bansa,” Go remarked. He underscored the event’s role in building character, inspiring communities, and promoting camaraderie through basketball.
Addressing the young athletes, Go also invoked the advice of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying, “Lagi ko pong sinusunod ang bilin ni Tatay Digong na ‘Do what is right.’ Sa basketball, sa buhay, at sa serbisyo sa kapwa, ito ang gabay natin: gawin ang tama at laging may malasakit, pagmamahal, at serbisyo sa lipunan.”
Go reflected on the life lessons basketball imparts: “Ang basketball ay higit pa sa puntos na inyong nai-score o championship na inyong natamo. Basketball teaches us teamwork, resilience, and discipline—mga katangiang mahalaga hindi lang sa court kundi sa tunay na buhay.”
He emphasized the universal appeal of basketball, describing it as a “language” that transcends socioeconomic and geographic boundaries. He noted that the ongoing World Basketball Week showcases the Philippines not only as a nation of basketball fans but also as a country capable of producing world-class players.
“Kaya naman, patuloy nating suportahan ang sports, hindi lamang bilang libangan, kundi bilang instrumento para sa mas matibay na pagkakaisa at pagkakaintindihan,” he said.
Go detailed his legislative efforts to bolster the country’s sports programs. He highlighted Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac. Go is the author and a co-sponsor of the law.
“Ito pong NAS ay naglalayong magbigay ng kalidad na secondary education na may sports-focused curriculum para sa ating mga kabataang atleta. Pinagsasama nito ang academic excellence at sports development, kaya hindi kailangang mamili ang mga student-athletes sa pagitan ng edukasyon at pangarap na magtagumpay sa larangan ng sports,” he explained.
Additionally, he discussed the Philippine National Games (PNG) Act which he principally sponsored and authored, a proposed legislation aimed at creating a structured sports program from the grassroots to the national level.
“Sa pamamagitan nito, mas maraming kabataan ang magkakaroon ng pagkakataong ipakita ang kanilang galing at talento,” he stated.
Go then expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the local officials, led by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, for their unwavering support of initiatives that promote youth and sports development.
He also extended his appreciation to the officials of the CHED, particularly Chairman Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III, Commissioners Ronald Adamat, Ethel Valenzuela, Shirley Agrupis, and Marita Canapi, along with Atty. Cindy Benitez-Jaro, Executive Director of CHED’s Office of the Executive Director, and Atty. Ryan Esteves, Executive Director of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST).
Lastly, Go acknowledged the efforts of Coach Anna Dulce Yango, Head of CHED’s Sports Development and Management Program, for her pivotal role in advancing sports initiatives for Filipino youth.
During the event, Go, together with his Malasakit Team, made the event even more meaningful by distributing various forms of support to attendees, underscoring his commitment to uplifting communities. Local officials also received tokens and gifts.
Meanwhile, the audience and participants were treated to sports items, such as basketballs and volleyballs, as well as shirts, among others. Select recipients also received a bicycle, a cellphone, shoes, and a watch.
In his closing remarks, Go encouraged young athletes to dream big and face challenges with discipline and faith. “Dream big. Kahit anong hamon ang harapin niyo, huwag kayong titigil. Hindi madaling magtagumpay, pero walang imposible kung may disiplina, pananampalataya, at malasakit, go lang nang go!” he stated.
He reassured the athletes of his unwavering support, stating, “Lagi niyo pong tandaan na nandirito lang ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, na handang magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya.”
Concluding his speech, Go reiterated his philosophy of public service: “Mga kaibigan, tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, o anumang karangalan na pwede nating ibigay sa bansa, gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos.”
The CHED All-Star Basketball Friendship Games highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for nation-building, aligning with Go’s long-standing advocacy for youth development and community empowerment.
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.
He also continues to urge government to prioritize sports engagement among citizens, not only for elite athletes but also for aspiring youth athletes, especially at the grassroots.
“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he said earlier.
