Press Release - Bong Go joins Iba, Zambales Mayor's Cup; supports grassroots leagues to promote role of sports in nation-building: 'Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit!'

At the opening of the Mayor's Cup in Iba, Zambales, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed the importance of physical fitness and community engagement through sports. The event, which he supported together with the Philippine Sports Commission, featured competitions in basketball and volleyball, drawing participants and spectators from the local area.

"Pangalagaan po natin ang ating kalusugan. Kailangan physically fit tayo," Go stated during the event on Friday, July 5, emphasizing health and fitness as priorities being the Chair of both the Senate Committees on Sports and on Health.

Go also linked sports to broader social issues: "Isang paraan 'yan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit!"

The senator then highlighted the dual benefits of sports involvement: "Iyan ang aking prayoridad, sports at health... Importante ibigay n'yo po ang inyong lahat. Just give your best. Manalo man o matalo, importante ibinigay n'yo po ang inyong lahat."

Recognizing the critical need for sufficient funding in the sports sector, the senator emphasized his successful efforts to secure an increased budget for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee to significantly improve Filipino athletes' preparation, training, and competitive performance in the international stage, as well as launch effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts in the grassroots.

Go has been a proactive advocate for sports development, taking significant legislative actions to support young athletes and integrate sports into national development.

He played a crucial role in the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470, located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, providing a dual path for student-athletes to excel in sports and academics.

Additionally, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act, which passed the Senate on its third and final reading in May. This bill