SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, attended the opening of the first Samalenyo Cup at the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Saturday, November 11.
The Samalenyo Cup is a sports competition sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission through the support of Go as Chair of the Senate Sports Committee. It was organized by the local government of Samal led by Mayor Al David Uy, Councilor Sonny Lanorias, and other local officials.
“This is one of my many initiatives to promote grassroots activities that highlights the role of sports in nation-building,” Go earlier said.
In his speech, Go underscored the vital role of grassroots sports development in fostering community values while promoting the health and well-being of its citizens. He likewise conveyed that the tournament was more than just a contest; it symbolized the spirit of unity and discipline within Samal Island.
Go also emphasized the crucial role of sports in maintaining the health of Filipinos and steering the youth away from vices such as illegal drugs.
“Ako chairman ako sa Committee on Sports kaya isinusulong natin ang sports dito sa Samal. Gusto kong ilayo ang kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go cited.
“Magpaliga na lang tayo, maglaro tayo ng basketball, volleyball. Kung ano pa ang makakatulong, willing akong tumulong sa inyong barangay. Suportado ko ang mga paliga o ano pang aktibidad pampalakasan para ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Isa ‘yan sa pamamaraan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga at kriminalidad,” he encouraged.
He acknowledged the efforts of all local officials for organizing the basketball competition and also for promoting unity in their community.
Furthermore, he remains committed to advancing grassroots sports development through legislative initiatives such as Senate Bill No. (SBN) 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act. This proposed bill seeks to provide a platform for athletes across the nation, particularly in rural areas, to showcase their skills and compete nationally.
“Ipinaglaban ko rin po sa Senado ang panukalang batas na mag-institutionalize ng Philippine National Games na gaganapin po kada dalawang taon. Magsisilbi itong preparatory games para sa national and international competitions. Ibig sabihin, para po itong local Olympics itong Philippine National Games… ang pangarap natin na maging sports powerhouse nag-umpisa riyan sa kompetisyong katulad nito,” Go explained.
Go also authored SBN 2116, a proposal that aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.” He highlighted the crucial necessity to provide recognition to para-athletics competing in international competitions. Underscoring that disabilities should not diminish the honor rightfully due to these para-athletes, Go urged stakeholders to support the bill to promote inclusivity in sports.
“The proposed measures seek to upgrade the incentives for para athletes competing in international competitions. This bill also intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports,” Go explained.
In line with his commitment to nurturing sports development at the grassroots level, Go also highlighted the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a fully operational institution located within New Clark City in Tarlac.
Go authored and co-sponsored the measure that became RA11470, which established the NAS in 2020. NAS is a government-run educational institution that offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.
Meanwhile, Go emphasized the increased budget for the Philippine Sports Commission this year that he sponsored with the support of the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. The increased funding aims to foster grassroots sports development and adequately prepare national athletes for upcoming international competitions.
On the same day, Go took his time to visit the Filipino troops stationed in Barangay Peñaplata, inspected an infrastructure project he earlier supported, and witnessed the turnover of motorboat engines to boost the livelihood of local fisherfolk in Samal.
