Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports, on Health, and on Youth, emphasized the vital role of sports in nurturing a healthy citizenry across all ages and sectors, while also steering the youth away from drugs, and cultivating national pride.
The senator spoke extensively about his personal passion for sports, the significance of active lifestyles for both young and old, and the legacy he aims to build for Filipino athletes.
“Bilang Chairman ng Senate Committee on Sports at isa rin pong atleta at sports enthusiast, suportado ng inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go ang mga batas, programa, at inisyatiba na magpapalakas sa sports sa ating mga komunidad. Napakahalaga po na mahikayat ang ating kapwa Pilipino na magkaroon ng aktibong lifestyle at sumabak sa sports — bata man o may edad!” he said.
He further emphasized the link between sports and health, especially for the youth.
“Bilang Chairman ng Senate Committees on Health at on Youth, naniniwala po ako na konektado ang lahat ng ito. Kapag healthy at physically fit, mas hahaba ang ating buhay. Isa rin po itong epektibong paraan para mailayo ang ating kabataan sa impluwensya ng iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit!” the senator stated.
Despite being 51, the senator expressed how sports remain central to his routine in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Ang inyong Mr. Malasakit ay 51 years old na pero hindi ito sapat na dahilan para hindi maging active sa sports, lalo na’t nakakadagdag ang exercise ng enerhiya para makatugon tayo sa aking paglilingkod sa bayan. At syempre tulad ng maraming Pilipino, paborito kong sport ang basketball!” he added.
He spoke about attending recent sports events across the country, highlighting their role in promoting inclusivity across generations.
“Nito ngang mga nakaraang araw, habang sunod-sunod ang schedule natin sa paghahatid ng kaunting tulong sa mga kapwang nangangailangan, may oras pa rin tayo sa mga sporting events. Naimbitahan tayo noong June 21 para sa pagbubukas ng 50‑Up Basketball League sa Cainta. Inisyatiba ito ng brodkaster na si Aljo Bendijo, na nilahukan ng mga manlalarong edad 50 pataas mula sa Pasig City, at mga bayan ng Cainta at Taytay sa Rizal,” said the senator.
He also cited another gathering a day later. “Noong June 22 naman ay nakiisa rin tayo sa Still Got Game (SGG) 50‑Up Division na ginanap sa Mandaluyong City, kung saan nakasama natin ang mga kapwa alumni ng La Salle Greenhills, at ilang local officials,” he stated.
As the guest of honor and speaker at the fifth founding anniversary of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Senator Go expressed deep pride and emphasized the significance of NAS for nurturing young athletes.
“Kamakailan lang, guest of honor and speaker tayo sa 5th Founding Anniversary ng National Academy of Sports sa New Clark City. Labis po ang aking tuwa sa pagdalo dahil pangarap ko lamang dati para sa kabataang Pilipino ang isang campus na nagkakaloob ng secondary education na may sports‑focused curriculum,” he said citing his visit to the campus last June 19.
“Dahil sa NAS, hindi masasakripisyo ang pag‑aaral ng ating student‑athletes habang tuloy ang kanilang training. Tayo po ang may‑akda at co‑sponsor ng Republic Act 11470 na lumikha sa NAS,” added the senator.
The establishment of the NAS has long been at the heart of the senator’s inclusive, grassroots‑oriented approach to sports development. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, the academy offers a unique dual‑track system that combines quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum — allowing young student‑athletes to hone their talents while continuing their academic journey.
Go also announced aspirations for expanding NAS to other areas of the country by regionalizing it in accordance with the provisions of the law.
“Ang pangarap ko naman ngayon ay magkaroon din ng NAS campus sa Visayas at Mindanao para sa mga mahihirap nating student‑athletes doon. Sana balang araw ay makita ang ating NAS graduates na iwinawagayway ang ating bandila sa Olympics at iba pang global sports competitions at makapag‑uwi ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” he added.
As sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, the senator has been instrumental in supporting 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 the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.
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.
Since assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, Senator Go has overseen a historic era for Philippine athletics. Under his watch, the country clinched its first‑ever Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games and followed it up with a groundbreaking twin gold victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics — a feat never before achieved in the nation’s sporting history.
Senator Go concluded by reaffirming his resolve to advance sports and service as a sacred calling.
“Hinding‑hindi po ako mapapagod sa pagsusulong ng mga programang magpapaunlad sa ating sports sector. Bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he stated.