Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the role of sports not only in enhancing the well-being of Filipinos but also in nation-building and in fighting illegal drugs.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, emphasized this in his speech as he attended the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games (PNG) held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City on Sunday, Dec. 17.

The event hosted participants below 18 years old in the Batang Pinoy and 18 years old and above in the PNG. It was also attended by Congresswoman Marissa ‘Del Mar’ Magsino and Congressman Faustino Michael Dy, among others.

Go pointed out that active participation in sports not only fosters physical health but also promotes psychological and social well-being.

“Sa palarong ito, hindi lang pisikal na lakas ang ating masasaksihan mula sa mga atleta kundi pati na rin po ang determinasyon at diwa ng pagkakaisa na bumubuklod sa ating lahat bilang isang bansa (In these games, not only do we witness the physical prowess of our athletes, but also their determination and the spirit of unity that binds us as a country),” he said.

Go, who is also chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, linked sports development to his broader advocacy against illegal drugs. He firmly believes that sports can be a powerful tool in steering Filipino youth away from the dangers of illegal drugs.

The senator said that by providing young people with constructive and engaging activities, sports can offer a positive pathway that diverts them from harmful influences.

Go has also been promoting Senate Bill (SB) No. 2514, which aims to institutionalize the PNG. This proposed legislation, also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, seeks to establish a more structured and sustainable framework for sports development in the Philippines. It envisions creating opportunities for athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite, ensuring that talent is nurtured and supported throughout the country.

This bill envisions an integrated and inclusive sports program. It highlights the inclusion of para-athletes and the commitment to hold biennial games for wide-ranging participation.

Moreover, Go also expressed plans to institutionalize and legislate the Batang Pinoy program to further strengthen grassroots sports development.

“The theme 'Sibol: Rise of New Athletes' could not be more fitting as these games aim to create a more inclusive system that promotes promising Filipino athletes, given them equal opportunity to become future contenders in international sporting events and contribute to cementing the country’s status as a sports powerhouse in Asia,” said Go.

In line with his continued efforts to bolster the country’s sports sector, Go successfully pushed for an additional budget for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to support the preparation, training, and participation of Filipino athletes in upcoming sports competitions and to implement effective programs to hone the skills of more young and aspiring athletes.

Go highlighted that the 2023 Batang Pinoy and PNG served as a platform for him to reinforce the critical role of sports in national development, adding that his advocacy underscores the government's recognition of sports as a vital component of a healthy and progressive society.

“To all the athletes, sa bawat tagumpay ng isang atleta, isang komunidad ang magbubunyi. Ito ang diwa ng tunay na Pilipino, ang magtulungan at mag-angat sa isat isa. Importante po yun, magmalasakit at magtulungan po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino (with every victory of an athlete, a whole community celebrates. This is the spirit of a true Filipino, helping and bringing up one another. It's important, that we look out and aid each other),” he said.