SBG supports Philippine ROTC Games 2023, joins opening ceremony of Luzon Regional Qualifying Leg in Cavite

Senator Bong Go personally attended the opening ceremonies of the Philippine Reserve Officers' Training Corps Games 2023 – Luzon Regional Qualifying Leg at the Cavite State University Oval in Indang, Cavite on Sunday, 17 September.

"Ito pong ROTC suportado ko po ito. At may option tayo, kung ayaw walang pilitan. Pero alam n'yo tandaan n'yo po, kapag sumali po tayo sa ROTC, (pinapatunayan natin) ang pagmamahal po natin sa ating bayan, hindi lang po 'yon, 'yung training natin, pwede tayong maturuan na tumulong in case of disaster and national emergency," said Go.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and keynote speaker during the event, Go highlighted the importance of the ROTC program and sports in molding responsible leaders and productive citizens. He commended the cadets for their dedication, discipline, and commitment to serving the country, and emphasized that the ROTC experience goes beyond physical fitness and military training.

This six-day event, which runs from September 18 to 23, promises not only an intense athletic competition but also a showcase of the talent and dedication of the youth from 140 State Universities and Colleges and Higher Education Institutions in Luzon, except the National Capital Region.

The games feature a diverse range of sports, catering to the various skills and interests of the participants. The featured sports for this regional qualifying leg include athletics, arnis, basketball, boxing, esports, kickboxing, and volleyball.

The senator likewise cited his continued support for the sports sector. Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020.

Situated in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS is a government-operated institution with a primary mission of nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes. It accomplishes this by providing high-quality secondary education alongside a specialized sports curriculum for gifted young individuals seeking to elevate their physical and mental capabilities in sports. Its inaugural academic year officially commenced on September 13, 2021.

This Act recognizes the important role that sports and physical education play in the holistic development of the nation's youth. The establishment of NAS serves as a platform for exceptionally talented and deserving student-athletes to gain access to top-notch training and education, enabling them to excel not only in their chosen sports but also in their academic pursuits.

As one of his priority measures in the 19th Congress, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development.

Go also emphasized the vital role of the Philippine Sports Commission in advancing sports as a fundamental component of national progress during a budget hearing on September 12.

He stressed the importance of securing sufficient funding for both the development of grassroots sports and the Philippines' engagement in global sporting events.

"Sabi ko nga, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit. At isa rin po ito sa paraan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Isang paraan ito na maipagpatuloy ang kampanya ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na labanan ang iligal na droga dahil kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, babalik po ang kriminalidad, babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno," he added.