Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, praised the successful conclusion of the sportsfest held in Mindanao State University's branches in Sultan Naga Dimaporo on May 20 to 21; Maigo on May 22 to 23; and Iligan City on May 24 to 25, all in Lanao del Norte.

The said sports events were in coordination with the Philippine Sports Commission, through the support of Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, and Bong Go.

Senator Go congratulated all the athletes who participated in the sportsfest and encouraged them to continue their passion for sports. His Malasakit team also provided various forms of support and tokens to the organizers and participants.

Go expressed his support for these initiatives, emphasizing their alignment with his advocacy to promote sports as a means for the youth to avoid vices such as illegal drugs.

"Get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit," Go reminded the youth.

“Ang sports ay hindi lamang isang paraan para manatiling fit, ito rin ay mahalaga sa paghubog ng karakter, disiplina, at pakikipagtulungan. Sa pamamagitan ng sports, natututunan natin ang kahalagahan ng teamwork, dedikasyon, at pagharap sa mga hamon ng buhay na may positibong pananaw,” he further emphasized.

Go reiterated his commitment to supporting sports initiatives that benefit student-athletes and foster empowered youth who can contribute further to nation-building.

"I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our young athletes in these sportsfests. This is a testament to the positive impact of sports on our youth, steering them away from vices and fostering a healthy, active lifestyle," Go stated.

Go also highlighted his legislative efforts to bolster sports development in the country. He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. This pioneering institution integrates secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, providing a unique platform for student-athletes to excel academically and athletically.

Moreover, Go filed and principally sponsored Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. This legislation aims to establish a comprehensive framework for a national sports program, merging grassroots sports promotion with the broader agenda of national sports development. The measure passed its third and final reading in the Senate on May 20.

“Napaka-importante po nitong Philippine National Games, para po itong mini-Olympics. Every two years po itong gaganapin, at makikita natin na doon po madidiskubre ito pong mga atleta na nasa malalayong lugar dahil marami rin pong potential athletes doon,” he said. 

“As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, I just want to share that in our budget for 2024, we championed additional budget for the Philippine Sports Commission or PSC kasama na diyan ang budget para sa Philippine National Games at Batang Pinoy,” Go also said previously.

He also extended his gratitude to the people, parents, coaches, and faculty members who supported the athletes throughout the events, acknowledging their crucial role in the success of the sportsfest.

The sportsfest in Mindanao State University's branches is a shining example of how sports can unite communities and inspire the youth to pursue excellence on and off the field.

“Sa pagtatapos, nais kong sabihin na ang sports ay higit pa sa pagkapanalo at pagkatalo. Ito ay tungkol sa pagbuo ng isang mas malakas na sarili, sa pagharap sa buhay na may tapang at determinasyon. Manalo man o matalo, proud ako sa inyong lahat,” Go encouraged.

“Muli, nawa'y maging instrumento ang sportsfest na ito upang mas lumalim pa ang ating pagpapahalaga sa sports at sa mga positibong epekto nito sa ating buhay,” he added.

Go reminded community leaders to also help promote sports in the grassroots saying, “kung may mga pa-liga kayo, sports clinics, o mga atleta na nangangailangan ng suporta, bukas ang aking opisina para makatulong sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya.”

“Patuloy rin nating ienganyo ang kabataan to get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs and keep us healthy and fit. Ako naman po, bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” Go concluded.

###