Continued support for grassroots sports development nationwide

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and an athlete myself, I have always believed that sports development must remain a priority in nation-building. Sports is not merely about winning competitions or bringing home medals. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle, builds character, instills discipline and gives our young people the opportunity to discover and develop their potential.

When our young people are exposed to sports early, they learn valuable lessons that go beyond the playing field. As a sports enthusiast, I understand how sports can shape a person’s character and open doors to opportunities.

On 10 November, we filed Proposed Senate Resolution 774, commending and congratulating the Philippine delegation for its performance at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, recognizing the achievements of Filipino para-athletes who represented the country in international competition and brought home seven medals.

We sought to recognize the dedication, perseverance and sporting excellence demonstrated by the 69 Filipino para-athletes who competed across 11 sporting disciplines during the competition from 18 to 24 October. The Philippine contingent concluded its campaign with two gold, two silver and three bronze medals, finishing 17th overall.

We also previously filed proposed Senate resolutions recognizing the achievements of our Filipino sporting champions, including Carlos Yulo and Carlo Paalam. Their accomplishments remind us that Filipino talent can compete with the best in the world when given the opportunity, preparation and support they deserve.

On 11 November, we also had the opportunity to welcome several personalities from the Philippine sports community to our office. Among them were Philippine Youth Basketball Championship Commissioner and PBA legend Benjie Paras; two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and his younger brother, fellow gymnastics medalist Eldrew Yulo, together with their trainer, Jossman Paul Garcia; and Olympic boxing silver medalist Carlo Paalam, accompanied by Coach Mario Fernandez.

We aim for our involvement in Philippine sports to extend well beyond these informal encounters. Since assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, we have consistently pushed for stronger government support for national athletes, improved training facilities, grassroots sports development and expanded opportunities for young Filipinos.

Among the significant legislative accomplishments associated with our sports advocacy is Republic Act 11470, or the National Academy of Sports Act, enacted in June 2020. We were among the authors and co-sponsors of the measure, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, providing a specialized educational and training environment for student-athletes.

But our work must not stop there. We must bring these opportunities closer to aspiring athletes across the country. Through Senate Bill 171, we proposed expanding the National Academy of Sports into the regions, while SBN 413 seeks to institutionalize the Philippine National Games. These measures reflect our belief that talent is not exclusive to any particular city or province.

Every region has young Filipinos who have the potential to excel if given the right opportunities and support.

As I always say, we should not wait for our athletes to win medals before we recognize their potential. Our support must begin at the grassroots level and continue throughout their journey.

Meanwhile, on 9 November, we personally distributed additional assistance to 29 fire victims in Barangay 190, Pasay City, where they also received housing materials assistance.

The next day, as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, we personally extended assistance, in coordination with the local governments of Binangonan and Angono, Rizal, to 868 college students with Governor Nina Ynares and Binangonan Vice Mayor Russel Ynares.

Later that same day, we proceeded to General Trias City, Cavite, to extend assistance to various local sectors, including Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Barangay Population Workers. We were joined by Board Member Morit Sison, Mayor Jonjon Ferrer and Vice Mayor Jonas Labuguen.