Aside from leading potential athletes to a sports-related career while undergoing quality secondary education, Go said his bill can also to keep Filipino youth away from the evils of dangerous drugs and criminality. #scholarship #NASHS #BongGo

Sen. Bong Go asks colleague to support his NASHS bill. (SBG)

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go vowed to support Filipino youth and sports as he endorsed his proposed bill creating the National Academy of Sports for High School (NASHS) before the Senate Committee on Basic Education on Thursday.

“I am here to provide my unwavering support for the youth and for Philippine sports,” Go said in asking for support for Senate Bill No. 397 which seeks to create the NASHS that will provide secondary course scholarship with special emphasis on developing the athletic skills of students by including subjects focused on physical education and sports development.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I filed this bill with the hopes of ensuring a better future for our young aspiring athletes. I had dreamt of a future where our young athletes are driven to succeed both in life and academics through a passion fueled by their love for sports,” the senator said.

“We also create a better future for them whether it be in the field of sports or other important fields,” he added.

Aside from leading potential athletes to a sports-related career while undergoing quality secondary education, Go said his bill can also to keep Filipino youth away from the evils of dangerous drugs and criminality.

As to the facility needed to realize the proposed NASHS, Go said it will soon be completed at the New Clark City in Tarlac, referring to the athletics and swimming venues for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games the country is hosting.

“Nang dahil sa kanila ay na-plantsa na ang ating mga kakailanganin upang masiguro ang kalidad ng facilities na gagamitin ng ating mga future student-athletes ng NASHS. Ang lupa at sports facilities, which shall be integral to the success of this program, are ready to be utilized, for the benefit of our youth,” said Go referring to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Also supporting the measure are the Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Budget and Management Sec. Briones, medyo kumpleto na tayo, who have also expressed their support and have committed to developing a program that would maximize the immense potential of our youth, I also express my deep gratitude.

“We only have to remain persistent and resolute to make this happen. With the help of this Committee, we can finally turn this dream into a reality,” said Go.

Meanwhile, Sen. Win Gatchalian, chairman of the committee, said an early version of Go’s proposed measure was filed by Sen. Pia Cayetano during the 15th Congress in 2010. The High School for Sports bill was refiled in the 16th and 17th Congress but it did not pass.

“But I can see that this time around of 18th Congress, this has the best chance the bill to be passed. Dahil wala pa pong batas, may pondo na po courtesy of Sen. Bong Go. Hindi lang po may pondo, meron pang facility courtesy of Vince Dizon of BCDA,” said Gatchalian.