Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, gave his support to the closing ceremony of the Vice Mayor Jimboy Basketball Tournament in Libungan, Cotabato, on 24 September, where he emphasized the significance of grassroots sports development in promoting community values and wellness.
The event was attended by Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido, barangay officials and the youth of Libungan.
In his message, the senator highlighted that the tournament was more than just a competition; it symbolized the spirit of the Libungan community.
"Ang event na ito ay higit pa sa isang paligsahan; ito'y simbolo ng diwa ng Libungan—ang isang komunidad na nagpapahalaga sa pagtutulungan at displina," he said.
Go then praised local leaders and the residents for organizing and supporting such an important initiative.
"Pinupuri ko si Vice Mayor Jims Fullecido at ang mga residente ng Libungan sa pagkakaroon ng ganitong kahalagang event," he said.
"Ang inyong mga pagsisikap ay nagbigay daan hindi lamang para sa basketball competition na ito, kundi pati na rin sa pag-promote ng pagkakaisa sa inyong komunidad," added Go.
Drawing parallels between basketball and life, Go noted that the sport teaches valuable lessons applicable beyond the court.
"Basketball is a sport that mirrors life in many ways. It teaches us to aim high, to rebound from failures, and to pass the ball when someone else has a better shot. Ang mga leksyon na ito ay hindi lamang natin magagamit sa laro, maging sa tunay na buhay," he elaborated.
Go also spoke about the role of sports in keeping Filipinos healthy and steering the youth away from vices like illegal drugs.
"Bilang Chairman ng Senate Committee on Sports, naniniwala rin ako sa mahalagang papel ng sports upang manatiling malusog ang mga Pilipino at mahikayat sila na umiwas, lalo na ang mga kabataan, sa bisyo gaya ng iligal na droga," he said.
"Get into sports and stay away from drugs," he added.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported various projects to promote the development of the province, including the construction of various bridges in Alamada, Arakan, Kabacan, Makilala, Pikit, and Tulunan; concreting of farm-to-market roads in Alamada, Banisilan, Libungan, Makilala, Midsayap, and President Roxas; construction of multi-purpose buildings in Kidapawan City, Arakan, Pigcawayan, and Makilala; construction of drainage canals in Kabacan and Pikit; construction of public market buildings in Arakan and Pigcawayan; construction of a slaughterhouse in Arakan; construction of Liga Office in Makilala; and construction of a perimeter fence for the City Government Complex in Kidapawan City.
Additionally, he has supported road concreting in Kidapawan City, Banisilan, President Roxas, and Midsayap; rehabilitation and improvement of the Pikit Main Drainage Canal in Pikit; and construction of potable water system facilities in Tulunan.
The senator is committed to supporting the country's grassroots sports development. This vision is embodied in Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act, an initiative filed by Go.
The bill aims to provide a platform for athletes across the nation, particularly young individuals in the countryside, to showcase their skills and compete at the national level.
More than just a competition, it seeks to create a more inclusive system that promotes promising Filipino athletes, giving them an equal opportunity to become future contenders in international sporting events and contribute to cementing the country's status as a "Sports Powerhouse in Asia."
Go also authored and co-sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020. The NAS is a significant step forward in sports education.
As a government-run institution, it offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who wish to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.