Go pushes regional expansion of sports academy

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday called for the regionalization of the National Academy of Sports (NAS), saying the move would make specialized sports education more accessible to youth in Visayas and Mindanao.

Speaking at NAS’s 5th founding anniversary in New Clark City, Tarlac, Go said decentralizing the academy would provide opportunities to aspiring athletes who cannot afford to relocate to Luzon.

“Ito naman po sa NAS, under Republic Act No. 11470, the NAS Board shall provide for policies for the organization of future nationally funded high schools for sports,” Go said. “We hope to regionalize. ‘Yun po ang isang pangarap ko rin po ngayon, dream ko na someday po na maging regionalized po itong NAS.”

Go added that discussions are ongoing with the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Education, the Philippine Sports Commission, and NAS officials to explore the plan’s feasibility.

Go, who chairs the Senate committees on sports and youth, said he plans to pursue legislation to support the initiative. He also urged continued collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders.

As one of the authors of RA 11470, which created NAS in 2020, Go has consistently advocated for grassroots sports development. He has supported funding for major sports facilities, athlete training programs, and infrastructure upgrades. Under his tenure, the Philippines won its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 and two golds in Paris 2024.

Go concluded by encouraging youth participation in sports, saying it promotes health and keeps young people away from drugs.