During his visit and motorcade in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the welfare of Filipino youth through enhanced support for education, grassroots sports, and anti-drug initiatives. He was joined by fellow senatorial candidates Atty. Jimmy Bondoc and Phillip Salvador.
Speaking to young constituents, Go emphasized the crucial role of accessible government programs in building a better and safer future for the next generation.
“Our priority is delivering direct services to the people, especially the youth,” Go said. “That’s where real change begins — with education, discipline and character-building.”
He stressed his strong belief in the power of sports to steer young people away from illegal drugs and other vices. “I believe sports is one of the most effective ways to keep youth away from harmful habits. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” he stated.
Senator Go has long been a staunch advocate for Filipino athletes, promoting a comprehensive, inclusive, and grassroots-oriented approach to sports development. Central to this advocacy is the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which he authored and co-sponsored through Republic Act 11470.
Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS offers a unique dual-track system that combines quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, allowing young student-athletes to hone their skills while pursuing their academic goals.
Go has also championed increased funding for grassroots sports programs and athlete development, recognizing their importance in nurturing future Filipino sporting talents. Since becoming chair of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, Go has overseen what many consider a golden era for Philippine sports, marked by the country’s historic first Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games and twin golds at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He also filed Senate Bill No. 1360, which seeks to expand the coverage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), enacted during the Duterte administration.
“I have always supported free college education,” Go noted. “This bill aims to broaden its scope so even more young people can graduate.”
Go likewise co-authored and co-sponsored several key education-related laws: RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS); RA 11984, the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act”; RA 12006, the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act”; and RA 11997, the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which raises the teaching supplies allowance for public school teachers.
He also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 12077, the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which provides relief for students with existing loans during times of calamity.
Further supporting youth well-being, Go filed Senate Bill No. 1786, mandating the establishment of Mental Health Offices in all public higher education institutions — reflecting his belief that mental health is as important as physical health.