Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go recognized athletes, coaches, and sports officials for their contributions to Philippine sports and their crucial roles in representing the nation on the international stage, during the send-off ceremony on Monday, 18 September, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, for Filipino participants in the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
"Today, we gather here not only to celebrate the excellence of our athletes but also to bid them the best of luck as they embark on a journey to represent our great nation at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China," said Go.
Go took the opportunity to shed light on his proposed Senate Bill No. 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
"This bill which I authored carries the potential to bring about positive change in the lives of our athletes, particularly our para-athletes," he said.
Go emphasized the need to increase the incentives for para-athletes, stating, "Sana po'y ma-increase naman rin po ang kanilang incentives na natatanggap dahil 'yung honor po na dala nila sa ating bayan, pareho naman po 'yong gold, silver, bronze at pinaghirapan rin po nila."
The proposed measures seek to upgrade the incentives for para-athletes. This bill intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.
"The heart of this legislation is inclusivity and equality. It aims to elevate or increase the incentives for our para-athletes," he mentioned.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance said he continues to advocate for additional budget for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
"During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission," he said.