THE Perlas ng Silangan Basketball League (PSBL) is a battleground where young Filipino athletes sharpen their skills and a proving ground for the next generation of basketball stars. Launched in 2024 to strengthen grassroots sports development, PSBL has quickly gained traction as a platform for aspiring players to showcase their talent and gain exposure to higher levels of competition.
At the heart of this initiative is Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, whose steadfast commitment to nurturing young athletes has helped in the league’s continued growth. Through his efforts with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), PSBL has received crucial backing that allows it to provide competitive opportunities to youth players nationwide.
“Sa tulong ng Perlas ng Silangan Basketball League, nabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating kabataan na ipakita ang kanilang talento sa larangan ng palakasan. Isa itong hakbang para ilayo sila sa masasamang bisyo at bigyan ng direksyon ang kanilang kinabukasan,” Senator Go said.
“As I always remind our youth, get into sports and stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!”
One of the most anticipated milestones for the league was the Kadalag-an 2025 PSBL National Finals, which took place in Silay and Talisay, Negros Occidental, earlier this year. The event, which featured matchups in the 17-Under and 19-Under National Conference, brought together top teams from across the country. It was co-presented by the PSC, highlighting also the government’s commitment to providing platforms where young athletes can compete at a high level and develop their skills.
Since its inception, PSBL has expanded its reach across multiple age divisions, including Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21 categories. With the league gaining traction in different provinces, its impact has been undeniable, providing structured competition for young athletes who might not otherwise have access to organized tournaments.
Through the PSC’s assistance and Senator Go’s advocacy, PSBL has been able to secure venues, officiating support, and essential resources needed to sustain its operations.
Beyond such leagues, Senator Go has been a key proponent of institutionalizing grassroots sports programs across the country. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which was created through Republic Act No. 11470, a law he authored and co-sponsored. Situated in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS provides a dual-track system integrating secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, allowing young athletes to pursue excellence both academically and athletically.
As the Senate sponsor of the sports budget, Senator Go has also ensured continued government investment in training and infrastructure. He advocated for the rehabilitation of historic sports venues such as Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City, recognizing that proper facilities are essential to honing world-class athletes.
“Kung gusto nating lumaban at manalo sa pandaigdigang paligsahan, dapat kompleto ang suporta natin sa ating mga atleta. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa training, kundi pati sa tamang nutrisyon, equipment, at mental conditioning,” Senator Go emphasized.
