SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, has pushed forward a vital initiative to construct a basketball gymnasium at Guimaras State University, aiming to strengthen grassroots sports development and provide a modern facility for student-athletes.
The budget for this project is included in the 2025 General Appropriations Act that Go supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, reflecting his commitment to nurturing young athletes nationwide.
“Ang sports ay hindi lang laro; ito ay paghubog at pagbigay oportunidad para sa kabataan. Sa tulong ng mga bagong pasilidad, mas maraming kabataan ang magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na magtagumpay sa larangan ng sports,” said Senator Go, emphasizing the broader impact of the facility on the local community.
The initiative aligns with Senator Go’s long-standing efforts to make sports accessible and inclusive, especially in provinces with limited resources.
“Dapat ang bawat kabataan, kahit saan mang sulok ng Pilipinas, ay may access sa maayos na pasilidad para sa kanilang talento. Hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan o kawalan ng kagamitan sa kanilang pag-unlad,” he added.
Senator Go has consistently prioritized projects that enhance the sports sector while simultaneously advancing education and community development. The construction of the gymnasium in Guimaras will provide not only a venue for athletic activities but also a space for community events and gatherings, reinforcing its role as a multi-functional infrastructure.
While the basketball gymnasium is a significant initiative, it forms part of Senator Go’s broader efforts to uplift Philippine sports as one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The NAS integrates academic and sports training to prepare students for careers in athletics while maintaining their academic development.
He also played a pivotal role in pushing for the repair and improvement of iconic sports facilities, including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City. These projects aim to provide athletes with the necessary infrastructure and support to excel internationally.
Through his initiatives, Senator Go envisions a future where every aspiring athlete has access to world-class facilities and programs, regardless of their socioeconomic background. His commitment to grassroots sports and community-centered projects reflects his belief in the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and communities.
“Ang sports ay simbolo ng pagkakaisa at pag-asa. Kapag ang isang kabataan ay nagtagumpay sa larangan ng sports, tagumpay ito ng buong bayan. Kaya’t patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga ganitong proyekto,” Senator Go remarked.
