Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed full support for Team Philippines ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, set from 19 September to 4 October, and the Asian Para Games, scheduled from 18 to 24 October in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Go assured the teams of the government’s continued support throughout their campaign.

During his speech at the Joint Send-Off Ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, he challenged the athletes to surpass their previous record and improve the Philippines’ ranking.

“Nung nakaraang Asian Games, pinakita natin na kaya nating makipagsabayan ang Pilipino sa pinakamagagaling na atleta sa Asya,” Go said.

He highlighted the country’s four-gold-medal haul in the previous Asian Games.

“Kaya pa nating dagdagan? Kaya? Dapat doblehin n’yo ha,” he added.

Team Philippines finished the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou with four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals, placing 17th overall. The country’s men’s basketball team also ended a 62-year Asian Games gold-medal drought.

Go also shared his appreciation as he recalled witnessing the Philippines’ triumph in Hangzhou three years ago.

“Alam niyo, nakakatuwa, after 62 years, nakamit po natin ang gold sa basketball. So kaya natin gawin ito sa basketball, kaya rin po natin gawin ito sa ibang sports,” he said.

In a separate interview, the senator echoed his call for athletes in other sports to improve and surpass past achievements.

“Pusong Pinoy, lumalaban,” he said.

Go underscored that athletes should focus on the competition while receiving support from the government, sports organizations and the private sector.

“Dapat po ang mga athletes natin walang ibang iisipin. Kung hindi mag-compete na, naka-focus na lang ’yan dapat. ’Yung preparation sa pagkain, sa kagamitan, at ’yung moral support ay dapat mula sa ating lahat dito,” Go said.

He encouraged the private and public sectors to collaborate in helping the athletes achieve their goals.

Emphasizing the importance of long-term preparation, Go also recognized the Philippine Sports Commission, led by Chair Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; the Philippine Olympic Committee, led by President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino; the Philippine Paralympic Committee; national sports associations; coaches; and other stakeholders supporting Team Philippines.

He said national teams should have a deep pool of players training together well before major competitions, stressing the need for long-term preparation.

“Hindi ’yung magbubuo tayo ng team malapit na ’yung competition. Mahabang training, para meron silang teamwork ’yung mga players natin,” he said.

Go also favored the early recognition of Filipino-American and Filipino-foreign athletes, saying their eligibility should be processed while they are still young.

Aside from the upcoming competitions, Go highlighted his advocacy for building a sustained athlete-development pipeline from the grassroots to the elite level.

Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City and allows student-athletes to combine academics with specialized athletic training. He has also filed Senate Bill No. 171 seeking regional NAS campuses, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.

To support grassroots, collegiate and adaptive sports, Go authored Senate Bill No. 413 to institutionalize the Philippine National Games as a nationwide grassroots tournament and Senate Bill No. 678 to establish the National Tertiary Games as a multisport platform for college athletes.

Additionally, Go backed Senate Bill No. 1743, a measure passed on third reading to amend the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act and ensure that para-athletes receive enhanced rewards and equal recognition for their achievements.

Go said para-athletes deserve the same recognition and support as national athletes.

“Proud na proud po ako sa inyong lahat. You continue to show us that no disability and no challenge can stop a Filipino who is determined to pursue a dream,” he added.

Highlighting newly secured funding streams, Go noted that the Supreme Court’s final decision regarding remittances to the National Sports Development Fund will provide much-needed resources to expand support for grassroots initiatives and elite athletes alike.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go reaffirmed his commitment to championing the Philippine Sports Commission’s budget, prioritizing direct funding for athlete training, modern sports infrastructure and community-level programs.

Reflecting on past projects such as the restoration of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and PhilSports Arena, he underscored his continued advocacy for youth engagement in sports to steer young Filipinos away from illegal drugs and risky behaviors.

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

He also reminded the delegation that while winning is an important goal, representing the country with pride and honor matters just as much. Go assured the athletes that, with or without a medal, what matters is that they give their best.

“Fight with heart, compete with honor, and enjoy every moment of representing the Philippines,” Go said, reminding them that they are not alone and that the whole nation stands behind them.