Go gives Kalinga sportsfest big boost

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go, who chairs the Senate committee on sports, personally attended the 2024 Kalinga Provincial Athletic Meet held in Rizal, Kalinga last Thursday as guest of honor.

The Kalinga Provincial Athletic Meet brings together more than 2,000 budding athletes. It serves as a platform for showcasing talent, fostering healthy competition, and nurturing future elite athletes.

The athletic meet saw the congregation of seven teams representing seven municipalities within the province, each bringing their unique spirit and skills to the competition.

At the event were Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang, Gov. James Edduba, Vice Gov. Jocel Baac, Rizal Mayor Karl Baac, Pasil Vice Mayor Benny Magangat, Tinglayan          Mayor Sacrament Gumilab, Tanudan Vice Mayor Constancio Dalayap, Balbalan Vice Mayor Rowina Damia, and Lubuagan Mayor Joel Tagaotao and Vice Mayor Jun Saclag, among others.

In his speech, Go emphasized his commitment to the country’s sports sector and in promoting grassroots sports development nationwide especially in the countryside. He highlighted the integral role sports play in fostering youth camaraderie, sportsmanship, and discipline.

“Sa temang “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag,” ipinapakita natin ang kahalagahan ng sports sa paghubog ng malusog na pangangatawan at matibay na kalooban ng ating kabataan. Hindi lamang pisikal na pangangatawan ang ating pinalalakas kundi pati na rin ang mental at emotional health ng bawat isa,” expressed Go.

The senator also reiterated his intention to continue advocating for more robust sports programs nationwide. This commitment aligns with his longstanding advocacy of promoting a healthy lifestyle and steering the youth away from societal ills, particularly drug abuse. “My motto is simple yet powerful: get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep healthy and fit,” he declared, underlining the positive impact of sports on the well-being and development of young Filipinos and its role in nation-building.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also emphasized how sports and health are interconnected in promoting a productive citizenry.

“Konektado po ang sports in keeping us