Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, personally attended the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City on Sunday, 17 December.

In his speech, Go emphasized the importance of sports in enhancing the well-being of Filipinos. He pointed out that active participation in sports not only fosters physical health but also promotes psychological and social well-being as contributory factors in nation-building.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography linked sports development to his broader advocacy against illegal drugs. He firmly believes that sports can be a powerful tool to steer Filipino youth away from the dangers of illegal drug use.

According to the senator, by providing young people with constructive and engaging activities, sports can offer a positive pathway that diverts them from harmful influences.

Go has also been promoting Senate Bill No. 2514, which aims to institutionalize the PNG. This proposed legislation, also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, seeks to establish a more structured and sustainable framework for sports development in the Philippines. It envisions creating opportunities for athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite, ensuring that talent is nurtured and supported throughout the country.

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.

Moreover, Go also expressed plans to institutionalize and legislate the Batang Pinoy program to further strengthen grassroots sports development.

"The theme "Sibol: Rise of New Athletes" could not be more fitting as these games aim to create a more inclusive system that promotes promising Filipino athletes, given them equal opportunity to become future contenders in international sporting events and contribute to cementing the country's status as a sports powerhouse in Asia. Alam n'yo po mga kabataan kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito at malayo po ang inyong mararating. Ang importante d'yan disiplina po," said Go.

In line with his continued efforts to bolster the country's sports sector, Go successfully pushed for an additional budget for the Philippine Sports Commission to support the preparation, training, and participation of Filipino athletes in upcoming sports competitions and to implement effective programs to hone the skills of more young and aspiring athletes.

"As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, I just want to share that in our budget for 2024, we continue to champion additional budget for the PSC kasama na diyan ang budget para sa PNG at Batang Pinoy," Go mentioned.

In conclusion, Go highlighted that the 2023 Batang Pinoy and PNG served as a platform for him to reinforce the critical role of sports in national development, adding that his advocacy underscores the government's recognition of sports as a vital component of a healthy and progressive society.

"Kaya mga anak, mga atleta, pasko ngayon. Tandaan po natin 'wag po nating kalimutang pasalamatan at 'wag nyo pong kalimutang mahalin ang ating mga magulang dahil wala po tayo sa mundong ito kung hindi po dahil sa ating mga magulang," Go reminded.

"To all the athletes, sa bawat tagumpay ng isang atleta, isang komunidad ang magbubunyi. Ito ang diwa ng tunay na Pilipino, ang magtulungan at mag-angat sa isat isa. Importante po yun, magmalasakit at magtulungan po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino," he concluded.