Two senators have expressed their unwavering support for Filipino Olympians joining the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics set to take place from July to September.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, personally led the turnover of his financial assistance, together with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann, during the ceremony held at the PSC Office in Manila City last Friday, June 21.

The financial support was made possible through the efforts of Senator Go and the Philippine Sports Commission, with each Filipino athlete competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics receiving P500,000 to help them in their preparations.

“We need to work together to ensure our athletes have the support they need,” Go said during the turn over ceremony.

Go, who also heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also thanked the PSC officials for their collaborative efforts, emphasizing their shared advocacy for strengthening the country’s sports programs.

“Sports and health are interconnected. That’s why I always say to get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit.’

“If we are physically fit, we are healthy and our we live longer. Sports is a very helpful not only for our physical health but also for mental health,” Go stressed.

Go also assured that, win or lose, the entire nation stands proud and supportive of its athletes.

“We only live once in this world, whatever good or honor we can achieve and bring to our people, just do it. Do your best,” Go encouraged the athletes.

Sen. Pia Cayetano also expressed her unwavering support for the Filipino athletes and para-athletes poised to compete on the world stage.

Among those representing the Philippines in the Olympics are pole vaulter EJ Obiena; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo; boxers Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam; rower Joanie Delgaco; weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Ceniza, and Elreen Ando; and fencer Samantha Catantan.

Meanwhile, five Filipino athletes qualified for the Paralympics - swimmers Ernie Galiwan and Angel Otom; archer Agustina Bantiloc; thrower Cendy Asusano; and wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan.

Cayetano highlighted the rigorous journey that the country’s athletes and para-athletes had to undertake to earn their place in the prestigious global sporting events.

“I want our Olympians and Paralympians to know that we are proud of them. Just want to inform our people, you can’t just join the Olympics and Paralympics without getting qualified. You really have to pass through the needle. The fact that they have reached this far, we are already proud of them,” Cayetano said.

She also stressed the crucial need to provide proper support, including adequate funding, to ensure the success of Filipino athletes.

“On our part, in terms of legislation, we provide funding for the athletes because we want them to reach that level. It's part of our job to support our athletes. They bring so much pride and joy to the country. We must give them commensurate financial support so they can perform well,” said Cayetano, a former student-athlete and national volleyball team player herself.

“I encourage all Filipinos to cheer for our Olympians and Paralympians, send them messages of encouragement and gratitude. They are carrying our flag,” the lawmaker stressed.

“We are proud of you. One athlete can change the lives of so many young people. The youth look up to them,” she said.