Press Release - 'Bigyan ang mga kabataang atleta ng pagkakataon na magbigay karangalan sa bansa' -- Bong Go calls for enhanced grassroots sports development programs

On Monday, October 7, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, during the budget hearing for the 2025 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Games and Amusement Board (GAB) he presided on, called for stronger government support for grassroots sports development and the efficient use of public funds for progams intended to give opportunities to aspiring Filipino athletes.

Go emphasized the need for initiatives like the Philippine National Games and Batang Pinoy to nurture young athletes at the grassroots level, ensuring that the country's sports programs reach their full potential.

He underscored the importance of recent legislative measures that have significantly contributed to the advancement of sports in the Philippines. "Nauna na nating sinulong ang Republic Act No. 11470, kasama po si Sen. Win Gatchalian, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Senator now Secretary Sonny Angara, at mga kasama natin ng 18th Congress," said Go.

"Meron na po tayong National Academy for Sports... nandiyan po ito sa New Clark City kung saan po pwede na mag-aral ang student-athletes. Walang masa-sakripisyo, pwede sila mag-aral at the same time mag-training," Go emphasized, highlighting his role as one of the authors and co-sponsors of the law that established the National Academy for Sports (NAS).

The NAS, located in New Clark City, is a specialized institution that allows student-athletes to pursue their education while simultaneously receiving proper training. Go mentioned that the academy ensures that the sports facilities built for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games are not wasted.

"Sayang naman 'yung mga pasilidad kung hindi natin gamitin. So ngayon, may eskwelahan na tayo para sa ating mga student-athletes."

Go also emphasized that the initiative aligns with the country's overall grassroots sports development program, particularly through initiatives such as Batang Pinoy, a program where young Filipino athletes are discovered and trained.

The senator further emphasized the importance of grassroots programs in discovering young athletes and preparing them for future international competitions. "Dito natin nadi-diskubre 'yung mga magagaling na atleta lalung lalo na po sa grassroots level