Bong Go highlights importance of sportsmanship, youth dev’t

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, personally attended on Wednesday, November 22, the opening ceremony of the Philippine National Police Academy's (PNPA) Cadet Corps Philippine National Police (CCPNP) Intramurals, in Silang, Cavite.

The event, held at Camp General Castañeda, marked the commencement of a four-day sports competition that is eagerly anticipated by cadets and spectators alike.

The Cadet Corps, composed of 1,022 cadets, will compete across 29 different sports events. These events include a diverse range of disciplines such as cheer dance, squad challenge, platoon run, marathon relay, triathlon (team and individual), softball, basketball, football, frisbee, practical shooting, sepak takraw, swimming, volleyball, archery, badminton, chess, game of the generals, lawn tennis, table tennis, sprints, arnis, judo, karate, and taekwondo.

"It is an honor to stand before you today as we kick off the much-awaited Intramurals for the academic year. This four-day sports competition is not just a display of physical prowess, but a testament to the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and dedication that defines the cadets of the PNPA," Go said.

"It brings me great joy to witness the energy and enthusiasm radiating from each one of you as you participate in this event. Sports, as we all know, is not just about winning or losing; it is about discipline, teamwork, and pushing oneself beyond perceived limits," he continued.

During the event, Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON, emphasized the significance of sports in nation-building and in molding the lives of the youth. He underscored the need to encourage them to engage in sports activities rather than succumb to the dangers of vices such as illegal drugs.

He expressed his commitment to continuing the legacy of former president Rodrigo Duterte and the ongoing efforts of the PNP in eradicating illegal drugs by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through sports.

"Isa po yun sa paraan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports stay away from drugs and to keep us healthy and fit. Kapag tayo po ay fit katulad po ninyo, gaganda po ang ating kalusugan at hahaba po ang ating buhay," said Go.

"I stand as a supporter of our uniformed personnel and strong advocate of the continued campaign against illegal drugs and fighting criminalities. We recognize that sports is not only a tool for physical development but also a powerful deterrent against the influence of illegal substances," he continued.

He also pledged to persist in pushing for legislation that will strengthen the sports sector. His focus extends beyond the confines of the sports arena as he also continues to advocate for programs prioritizing the interests and welfare of uniformed personnel, aligning with his broader vision for a safer and healthier country.

Go is the co-author of Republic Act 11549. It plays an important role in modifying the minimum height requirements for applicants to various law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Throughout the administration of former president Duterte, the salaries of uniformed personnel were doubled as a demonstration of the administration's dedication to enhancing the well-being of these public servants. In his role as Special Assistant to the former president at that time, Go ensured the fulfillment of this commitment of increased salaries to uniformed personnel.

"Hindi po magiging successful na labanan po ang kriminalidad, iligal na droga, insurgency, terorismo, kundi dahil sa inyo at kayo po ang nagme-maintain ng peace and order sa ating bansa. Maliit na bagay po yon sa sakripisyong ibinibigay nyo po sa ating bayan. Kaya talagang full support po kami ni dating pangulong Duterte sa inyo," Go underscored.

The senator has also introduced Senate Bill No. 422, aiming to provide free legal assistance to members of the armed forces and police who face charges related to their official duties. Recognizing the heavy responsibilities placed on these uniformed personnel, the senator emphasized the importance of ensuring they receive proper legal support for as long as they fulfill their duties in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, Go primarily authored and co-sponsored RA 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act. This law was enacted with the primary aim of reducing the occurrence and mitigating the impact, of fire-related incidents. RA 11589, which was signed by Duterte, mandated BFP to embark on a modernization program. The program includes the acquisition of state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, the expansion of the workforce, and the implementation of specialized training programs for firefighters.

In sports development, Go highlighted his role as one of the authors and co-sponsors of RA 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

"Nandidiiyan na po (ang NAS) sa New Clark City kung saan po ang estudyante pwede pong mag-training at the same time mag-aral. Pwede po silang mag-aral at the same time mag-training. Wala pong masasakripisyo dahil nandidiyan na po sa loob ng compound ang school building, nandiyan na po ang mga track and field, nandiyan na po ang swimming pool. Pwede na po silang mag-training doon kasi noon kapag nag atleta ka nasasakripisyo ang pag-aaral. Ngayon po pwede nang sabay diyan sa National Academy of Sports sa New Clark City," Go explained.

The lawmaker also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act of 2022. The measure, if enacted into law, aims to institutionalize "a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program, which will harness the vast potential of the citizenry in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competition, thus giving the country pride and international goodwill and addressing the long-standing problems of Philippine sports in general."

"Nananawagan po ako sa inyong lahat especially the youth, to embrace sports as a way of life, get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit. Engaging in sports activities not only keeps you physically fit but also instills values that are crucial in building a strong and resilient character," encouraged Go.

"That is why as we celebrate the spirit of competition and unity in this Intramurals, let us also carry this sense of camaraderie beyond the playing field. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation," he concluded.