Swinging for young athletes and sports development with Senator Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, showed his full support for inclusive sports development and youth empowerment during the ceremonial tee-off of the 2nd El Presidente Cup: The Ramon Fernandez Charity Golf Tournament held on 13 June at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Carmona City, Cavite.

Organized by Philippine basketball legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez and Karla Fernandez, the charity golf tournament raises funds for promising young athletes, many of whom rely on community support to pursue their dreams in sports.

As one of the Senate’s leading advocates for Philippine sports, Go highlighted how efforts like this not only nurture athletic talent but also give young Filipinos a fighting chance for a better future.

"As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, I fully support efforts like this that not only strengthen sports development but also help young people who dream of a brighter future through sports," said Go in Filipino.

He pointed out that beyond competition, the tournament’s deeper purpose is to inspire and uplift.

"This is not just a competition. This is a charity event with a goal to help and inspire," the senator emphasized in Filipino.

"Let’s come together, play and unite for the future of our young athletes," Go added in Filipino.

Go also helped secure funding for the event through the Philippine Sports Commission, aligning with his broader push to make sports programs accessible to Filipinos, especially those from underprivileged communities. For years, he has championed greater investment in sports infrastructure, athlete training and grassroots development.

Among his key initiatives is the establishment of the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, which created NAS to integrate formal education with specialized sports training. Through this institution, young Filipino athletes can pursue their dreams in sports while continuing their studies.

The 2nd El Presidente Cup also raised funds to support athletes like David Charles Serdeña, a 16-year-old golfer from humble beginnings who will represent the Philippines in three major tournaments in the United States next month.

Go’s efforts have also included securing funds for the rehabilitation of historic sports venues like the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Philsports Arena. He continues to advocate for better nutrition, equipment and mental health support for Filipino athletes.

Since assuming leadership of the Senate sports panel in 2019, Go has been involved in some of the country’s most historic sports achievements, including the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Games and the historic double-gold finish in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He has repeatedly pushed for bigger sports budgets, believing that sustained investment is key to helping Filipino athletes succeed internationally while nurturing future champions through grassroots programs.

As Chairperson of the Senate Youth Committee, Go urges young Filipinos to embrace sports not just for competition but for overall wellness and discipline.

"As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit," said Bong Go in Filipino.

He closed his message with a strong show of support for the organizers, the beneficiaries and the goal of building a stronger future for young athletes.

"I fully support your mission for the youth and for the future. Thank you all and more power," the senator said in Filipino.