Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is now seeking passage of a bill that would further promote and fulfill the long-term aspiration of a comprehensive sports development program in the country in support of the country’s national athletes.

“I continue my advocacy to promote sports in the country with this bill that, I know, will further the development of our sports programs and eventually shape more athletes into champions,” Go said in filing Senate Bill No. 2001 or the proposed Philippine National Games Act.

“Naniniwala ako na ang sports ay isang paraan upang mabigyan natin ng holistic growth ang ating kabataan at ilayo sila sa mga masasamang bisyo, tulad ng iligal na droga, (I firmly believe that sports is one of the best means we can have to provide holistic growth to our youth and help keep them away from vices, like illegal drugs),” Go stated.

According to the senator, the measure encourages local government officials from all barangays, towns, municipalities, cities and provinces, to promote the development of sports in the countryside.

Compared to the Palarong Pambansa, he said the PNG aims to be a more inclusive national sports competition that would widen the base for talent identification, selection and recruitment of athletes, including those who are not enrolled in schools.

Go said passage of the measure into law will hopefully help the country constitute the national pool to be trained for international sports competition and address challenges facing athletes in international competitions, such as the Olympics and the Asian Games.

“Kung maganda ang ating sports program sa bansa, hindi malayong maraming kabataang Pilipino ang sasali na sa mga programa. Kaya naman dapat mabigyan natin ng buong suporta, lalo na sa financial aspect at development programs, ang ating mga atleta, (If our nation has a good sports program, it’s inevitable that young Filipinos will join this program. That’s why we need to provide our athletes the full support, especially in the financial aspect and development programs),” he stressed.

He also said that amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to continue sports development programs aimed at helping athletes, coaches, trainers during this time.

Go appealed to concerned national agencies to continuously release the allowances for qualified national athletes as well as provide additional support for the competitors and workers in the sports sectors, amid the adverse effect of the pandemic on their livelihoods.

“One team, one goal, let us heal and recover as one! Patuloy ang ating suporta sa mga atletang Pilipino, hindi lamang sa kompetisyon kundi pati rin sa oras ng kanilang pangangailangan. Magbayanihan po tayo (We continue to support our Filipino athletes, not only during the competition but also during their special time of need. Let us help each other),” Go said.