Bong Go applauds Gilas Youth for SEABA gold

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, 9 June, lauded the Philippine men’s national under-16 basketball team — Gilas Pilipinas Youth — for clinching the gold medal in the 2025 Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Under-16 Cup, underscoring the team’s dominance and the broader role of sports in shaping the nation’s youth.

During the Senate plenary session, Go — Chairperson of both the Senate Committee on Sports and the Committee on Youth — praised the team’s performance and reaffirmed his legislative support for sports development at all levels. He is one of the authors of a Senate resolution commending the team.

“Mr. President, sports muna tayo,” Go began. “As chairman of the Committee on Sports and the Committee on Youth, and as one of the authors of a similar resolution, I congratulate the Gilas Pilipinas Youth National Basketball Team for winning the gold medal in the FIBA U-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers last May 30, 2025.”

Go emphasized the team’s undefeated run and their skillful play throughout the tournament.

“They dominated the tournament with an undefeated record, demonstrating excellence and superior skill, which reflect the Philippines’ deep basketball talent and passion for the sport,” he said.

The senator also credited the coaching staff and players, including team MVP from Batangas and coaches LA Tenorio, Gabe Norwood, and Richard del Rosario.

“Congratulations din po sa ating mga idol — Coach LA Tenorio, Gabe Norwood, Richard del Rosario — at sa lahat ng miyembro ng team na nabanggit po kanina,” Go said.

He also acknowledged Senator Joel Villanueva, the resolution’s main sponsor and a former national team player, adding, “At syempre, sa aking teammates sa Senate Sentinels, si Senator Joel Villanueva.”

The SEABA U‑16 Cup was held from 24 to 30 May at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga, featuring six Southeast Asian teams. Gilas Youth swept all six games.

In the gold‑medal match on 30 May, the Philippines routed Indonesia, 70–40. The team opened with a 21–5 first quarter, extended the lead to 41–20 at halftime, and sealed the win with a dominant third quarter.

The victory marked the Philippines’ sixth straight SEABA U‑16 title and qualified the team for the FIBA U‑16 Asian Championship in Mongolia this July.

Go said the team’s achievement not only brought pride to the country but also reaffirmed the Philippines’ standing as a basketball powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

“Their outstanding performance secured the country’s slot in the FIBA U‑16 Asia Cup in Mongolia this July, further cementing our position in the region,” he said.

He then shifted the focus to his longstanding advocacy — using sports to steer Filipino youth away from drugs and other vices.

“Their victory is a powerful inspiration to millions of young Filipinos to pursue their passions and excel in life. At naniniwala tayo na isang paraan ang sports na ilayo sila sa masasamang bisyo. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” Go said.

He assured continued support for Filipino athletes at all levels.

“Makakaasa po kayo na patuloy ang suporta natin sa atletang Pilipino, mula grassroots sports hanggang international competitions,” he added.

Go has championed a grassroots-oriented approach to sports development. Among his key initiatives is the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, which was created through Republic Act No. 11470 — a law he authored and co-sponsored.

NAS offers a dual-track system that combines quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, allowing student-athletes to hone their talents while continuing their studies.

As sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go has secured support for major facility upgrades, including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. He has stressed that proper facilities, equipment, nutrition, and mental support are essential for athletes’ success.

Since taking over the Senate sports committee in 2019, Go has presided over a historic run in Philippine athletics. The country won its first-ever Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games, followed by a twin gold medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics — a feat unmatched in Philippine sports history.

During the plenary, Go also shared a light moment with the Gilas Youth players who were present in the gallery. He offered personal advice and played basketball clips of himself during a brief suspension of the session.