Fresh from his first-hand experience in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed support for efforts to bring the continental sporting event back to the Philippines, saying major international competitions can also help promote Philippine tourism and generate economic opportunities.

In an ambush interview on Monday, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, welcomed the plan to pursue another Philippine bid to host the Asian Games.

“That’s important — building good relations with other countries — especially since it was already mentioned the plans for us to bid to host. That would be a great development,” Go said.

The Philippine Olympic Committee earlier said it is considering filing a bid for the 2038 Asian Games. The Philippines last hosted the continental meet in Manila in 1954.

Go said the country’s experience hosting major international sporting events has shown how sports can be linked with tourism and the broader economy.