Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and Youth, emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development and youth empowerment during the 2024 KAHEI Sports Festival. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Go worked to secure the necessary resources to support the event’s success.
Held from 25 to 27 November at Kalinga State University, the festival carried the theme “KAHEI: Aspire to Greatness, Persevere in Adversity, Triumph Together.” It showcased not only athleticism but also resilience and collaboration among students from Kalinga's higher education institutions.
The PSC provided funding and logistical support for the KAHEI Sports Festival and the inaugural Angara Unity Cup, held simultaneously. The multi-sport event, spearheaded by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, promoted unity and sportsmanship among participating institutions.
Go, in collaboration with the PSC and other officials, helped ensure the smooth conduct of these activities, highlighting the government’s focus on grassroots sports development.
As an advocate for sports, Go played a key role in the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) through Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS integrates secondary education with sports-focused training, providing student-athletes opportunities to excel academically and athletically.
Additionally, Go principally authored and sponsored Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. The Senate ratified the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on September 23. The bill seeks to institutionalize a national sports program aimed at promoting grassroots development and creating pathways for aspiring athletes to compete on a national level.