Bong Go pushes for institutionalization of Philippine National Games

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has taken a step in championing the cause of Philippine sports as he pushes for the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG). This move, articulated in his sponsorship speech for Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2514, signals an essential step towards embedding sports more deeply into the fabric of national development.

Go, leveraging his dual roles as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports and the Committee on Health and Demography, underlined the intrinsic link between sports, health, and nation-building.

"Our efforts to promote sports and physical fitness are always anchored on our mission to make our citizens healthy and fit," he said. This emphasizes sports as a cornerstone of national health and vitality, he added.

The senator connected the promotion of sports with broader social initiatives, including the fight against illegal drugs.

"Patuloy ang ating pag-engganyo sa mga kabataan to get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep healthy and fit," stated Go, reflecting a strategic approach to channeling youth energy into productive and healthy activities.

Go's advocacy for grassroots sports development was particularly notable. He underscored the importance of local programs in scouting and nurturing young talent, essential for building a robust national sports infrastructure.

He remarked on the potential of grassroots initiatives, stating, "Usually po, dito nakikita sa grassroots ang mga potential athletes natin," highlighting the need for a structured, nationwide platform for discovering and honing athletic talent.

He also referenced Executive Order No. 163 by former president Fidel Ramos in 1994, which positioned the PNG as a central element of the government's sports development strategy.

Meanwhile, Go also addressed the perennial issue of inadequate funding in sports, particularly at the grassroots level, and its implications for the PNG.

"Bagamat may Executive Order para sa PNG at may programa na para dito ang PSC, hindi pa rin ito sinasama sa NEP at tayo pa ang laging nagdaragdag ng pondo para dito. Mr. President, we want to address this through our proposed measure," he added.

As vice chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, he offered insights into the challenges of securing sufficient funds for sports development in the national budget.

"Taon-taon, maliit ang natatanggap na budget ng sports sa National Expenditure Program (NEP). Every year, tayo (legislative) pa po ang nagdadagdag ng budget," he emphasized, pointing out the consistent need for augmenting the sports budget.

"In fact, under the 2024 NEP, only P174 million was approved by the Department of Budget and Management for Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) or a meager 0.004% of the P5.768 trillion national budget," said Go.

The senator's legislative proposal, SBN 2514, also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, proposes a structured, comprehensive approach to national sports programming. This bill envisions an integrated and inclusive sports program, highlighting the inclusion of para-athletes and the commitment to hold biennial Games for wide-ranging participation.

Significantly, Go stressed the pivotal role of local government units in the success of the PNG. He envisioned a collaborative framework where provinces, cities, and municipalities work together to form sports delegations, fostering local talent and contributing to the national sports landscape.

The proposed bill also stipulates the creation of the PNG Coordinating Committee, chaired by the PSC and co-chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This committee would be responsible for strategic planning and execution of the PNG, ensuring their effective management.

A crucial aspect of Go's proposal is the inclusion of an appropriations provision in the bill, aimed at securing consistent government support for the PNG at the budgetary level. This move aims to avoid reliance on ad hoc funding measures and ensure sustained investment in the nation's sporting future.

Go emphasized the bill's potential to strengthen grassroots sports, create opportunities for young athletes, and solidify government support for these initiatives. He concluded with a call for legislative support, underscoring the measure's significance for the youth and the future of sports in the Philippines.

"Maganda po na maisabatas na ito para magkaroon ng kompetisyon na magiging plataporma ng aspiring national athletes at masiguro natin ang pagbibigay ng priority ng gobyerno sa kompetisyon na ito," he concluded.

In line with this, Go also served as author and co-sponsor of Republic Act 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

The NAS also offers a secondary education program with an integrated special curriculum on sports, which was developed in close coordination with the Department of Education and PSC.

The academy is equipped with world-class sports facilities, housing, and other amenities on par with international standards. A sufficient number of classrooms and other facilities have also been built at the complex to provide a conducive learning environment for all the students.

To ensure the international competitiveness of the student-athletes, the academy likewise provides services of licensed and internationally-certified foreign coaches, trainers, and consultants, duly certified by the PSC.