Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, on Wednesday lauded Filipino boxer Pedro Taduran for successfully defending his International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Minimumweight Championship title and called for sustained support for homegrown boxing talents and grassroots sports programs.

Go authored and sponsored a Senate resolution commending Taduran’s victory, highlighting the significance of the boxer’s win on the international stage.

“Mr. President and esteemed colleagues, as sponsor of this measure and as chairman of the Committee on Sports, I just want to congratulate Pedro Taduran for successfully defending the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Minimumweight Championship Title,” Go said.

Taduran secured his title defense on May 24 with a split decision victory over Japan’s Ginjiro Shigeoka in Osaka. Known for his aggressive style, Taduran pressured Shigeoka throughout the fight, landing decisive blows and controlling the pace.

Go underscored the Philippines’ rich boxing legacy, noting the country as a “breeding ground for boxing talent,” and mentioned Senator Manny Pacquiao as a symbol of the nation’s boxing excellence.

Since becoming chairperson of the Senate sports panel in 2019, Go credited sustained government and private sector efforts for Filipino athletes’ historic achievements, including the country’s first-ever gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and two golds at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I am committed to promoting and advancing our grassroots sports development programs for the betterment of our nation. Karamihan po dito galing sa probinsya po. Tulungan po natin sila. Pag nagsama po ang pribado at ang gobyerno, alam kong kaya nating magtagumpay,” Go said.

Go has advocated for the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, which combines academic education with specialized sports training for young athletes.

He also emphasized the need to improve sports facilities such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, and pushed for increased budgets to enhance athletes’ training, nutrition, and mental health support.