Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged young Filipinos to spend more time participating in sports and other meaningful activities instead of being excessively immersed in social media and gadgets, citing the benefits of physical activity in developing discipline, resilience and healthier lifestyles.

Speaking during a Senate hearing on Thursday, 20 August, Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, said sports can provide young people with a constructive outlet while helping them develop values beyond competition.

“Mas dapat nating hikayatin ang mga kabataan na lumabas, maglaro, at mag-sports kaysa buong araw na nakatutok sa social media at gadgets. Mas maraming oras sa court, sa field, o sa playground; mas kaunting oras sa screen,” Go said.

(We should encourage young people to go outside, play and engage in sports instead of spending the entire day focused on social media and gadgets. More time on the court, field or playground; less time on screens.)

Go cited Olympic medalist boxer Eumir Marcial, a native of Zamboanga City, who suggested encouraging greater youth participation in sports.

According to Go, greater involvement in sports can help young people develop habits and character traits that can guide them as they grow.

“Sports teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience — mga mahahalagang katangian sa paghubog ng mabuting pagkatao,” he said.

(Sports teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance and resilience — important qualities in developing good character.)

Go also cited concerns over low levels of physical activity among adolescents. The World Health Organization has reported that more than 80 percent of school-going adolescents worldwide do not meet recommended levels of physical activity.

Children and adolescents ages 5 to 17 should get an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, according to WHO guidelines.

Go stressed that encouraging young people to become more active does not mean rejecting technology or social media altogether.

“Hindi natin layunin na ipagbawal ang teknolohiya. Ang dapat na layunin natin ay tiyaking ginagamit ito nang responsable at naaayon sa edad ng ating mga anak,” Go said.

(Our goal is not to prohibit technology. Our goal should be to ensure that our children use it responsibly and in ways appropriate for their age.)

Instead, Go said families, schools, communities and the government should provide young Filipinos with more opportunities to participate in sports and other productive activities.

“Kung gusto nating ilayo ang ating mga kabataan sa karahasan, sa bisyo, at sa masasamang impluwensya, ilapit natin sila sa sports at sa iba pang makabuluhang gawain. Kaya sabi ko nga, kaysa ma-hook sa social media, sa sports na lang,” he said.

(If we want to keep our youth away from violence, vices and bad influences, let us bring them closer to sports and other meaningful activities. As I said, instead of getting hooked on social media, get hooked on sports.)

Go has consistently promoted grassroots sports development as part of his youth advocacy, emphasizing the need to make athletic opportunities more accessible to children and young athletes nationwide.

He said sports should be viewed not only as a pathway for competitive athletes but also as a means of improving the physical and overall well-being of young Filipinos.

“Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go said.