Sports and health are so interrelated that managing both can significantly strengthen national development. These two essential aspects are among my advocacies as chairperson of the Senate Committees on Health and Sports. As I always say, "Ang maayos na kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino (Good health equates to the life of every Filipino)."

This is one of the reasons why I am pushing for the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games through Senate Bill No. 2514, which I recently sponsored in the Senate plenary before it adjourned this year. As one of its authors, together with no less than Senate President Migz Zubiri and Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, this bill is rooted in Article 14, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the State to promote physical education and encourage sports programs.

By institutionalizing the PNG, we can provide a more inclusive platform for aspiring athletes to compete wherever they are in the country. If enacted, funding will be allocated for the conduct of this grassroots sports program, and we can strengthen the foundation of a nationwide multi-sport competition in the country. This will also include our para-athletes, wherein the games will be held biennially to include all aspiring athletes across the country.

One major deterrent to sports development is the perennial lack of funding. The Department of Budget of Management has proposed only P174 million for the Philippine Sports Commission's 2024 budget. The fact that this is only 0.004 percent of the country's P5.768 trillion budget shows the little importance we place on sports development.

Every year, there is a need to augment the sports budget through the concerted efforts of lawmakers. In 2023, the Senate added more than one billion to increase funding to support athletes competing in international competitions, for grassroots sports programs, and for our hosting of the FIBA World Cup. We also pushed for additional funding for next year, primarily since our athletes will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

We have also stressed the crucial role of sports in nation-building and molding disciplined and productive citizens. That is why we continue to promote getting into sports to stay away from drugs and keep our youth healthy and fit.

Meanwhile, we were in Victoria, Tarlac on 13 December to witness the inauguration of the Super Health Center there, together with Governor Susan Yap, Vice Governor Carlito David, Congressman Christian Yap, Mayor Rex Villa Agustin, Vice Mayor Tristan Guiam, and other local officials. We also inspected the evacuation center, a project we fought to fund in collaboration with PAGCOR.