Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his appeal for expanded government support for Filipino athletes, emphasizing the necessity of adequate funding, modern facilities, grassroots sports development, and broader training opportunities outside Metro Manila.
During the October 14 Senate deliberations on the proposed 2027 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), Go expressed full backing for both agencies, stressing that athletes require sufficient resources to train, compete, and represent the country effectively.
Go reiterated his long-standing message encouraging youth participation in athletic programs.
“Kahit saan po ako pumupunta ang sinasabi ko sa kanila na get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go said.
The senator commended Filipino athletes who competed in recent international events, including the 2026 Asian Games, and offered encouragement to para-athletes competing in the 5th Asian Para Games from October 18 to 24.
Go also renewed his advocacy for equal financial incentives and recognition for medal-winning para-athletes.
“Iyon nga rin po yung isa sa ating ipinaglalaban, yung batas ‘no, yung sana po’y pantayin na po ang matatanggap ng ating mga para-athletes tuwing nananalo sila ng medalya,” Go said.
“Hindi naman po nila kasalanan na mayroon silang kapansanan noong sila po’y ipinanganak. Ngunit yung dala-dala nilang karangalan para sa ating bayan ay hindi po matutumbasan. Pareho po yon, gold rin po yung napapanalunan nila,” Go also said.
Go voiced concern over the allocation provided for national sports under the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
According to the lawmaker, the PSC submitted a proposed 2027 budget of P21 billion, but only around P1.3 billion, or six percent, was incorporated into the NEP. He noted that this allocation accounts for approximately 0.018 percent of the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget.
Go stressed that national competitors should not be forced to shoulder personal expenses or incur debts to prepare for international events.
“Sinabi ko nga last week na wala pong dumadamay sa kanila, ngunit pag nananalo sila maraming sumasakay. Pero pag-training pa lang walang sumasakay at walang nakikiramay. Kailangan po natin ng pagmamalasakit po sa ating mga atleta,” Go added.
Go welcomed a Supreme Court ruling directing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to account for and remit the full five percent of its gross annual income to the PSC under Republic Act No. 6847 for the National Sports Development Fund.
With additional resources potentially available to the sector, Go urged the PSC to direct funds toward immediate athlete support, including allowances, training, transportation, equipment, and venue improvements.
“Mahalaga rin na magkaroon ang ating mga atleta ng maayos na training facilities, modernong kagamitan, at sapat na pagkakataong mahasa ang kanilang kakayahan,” Go said.
“Kaya patuloy nating binibigyang-pansin ang pagpapaunlad at rehabilitasyon ng ating mga sports facilities, kabilang na po ang Rizal Memorial Sports Complex at PhilSports Complex, upang magkaroon ang ating mga atleta ng ligtas, maayos, at angkop na lugar para sa kanilang pagsasanay,” Go also said.
Go recalled supporting upgrades to PhilSports after observing venue deficiencies during past events. He also cited the Ninoy Aquino Coliseum while emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance for playing surfaces, alongside reiterating support for a proposed tennis stadium in Clark.
Beyond maintaining existing infrastructure, Go stressed the importance of decentralizing training programs away from Metro Manila.
“We also commend the initiative of the PSC to regionalize sports training centers,” Go said.
“Ang mga atleta natin nang-gagaling sa iba’t ibang sulok ng bansa. Maraming talento na maaaring ma-diskubre kahit sa malalayong probinsya pero ang opisina ng PSC nandito lang sa Metro Manila at ang mga training centers natin karamihan nandito rin sa Metro Manila,” Go also said.
“We want to bring our sports training centers nationwide para mabigyan ng sapat na atensyon ang ating mga atleta,” Go added.
Go highlighted projects funded under the 2026 budget, including the University of the Philippines Mindanao Aquatics Center, the High Altitude Sports Facility in Baguio City, and the Olympic Water Sports Training Facility in Siargao.
He referenced Republic Act No. 11470, which created the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City to allow student-athletes to combine secondary education with specialized sports training.
“Nauna na nating isinulong ang Republic Act No. 11470 kasama si Senate President Win Gatchalian, at mga kasamahan natin noong 18th Congress upang magkaroon ng National Academy of Sports sa New Clark City na kung saan po pagsasabayin po ang pagte-training at the same time mag-aral,” Go said.
“Ilapit natin ang sports sa ating mga atleta,” Go also said.
On legislative measures, Go continues to push for the proposed Philippine National Games and Senate Bill No. 678, or the National Tertiary Games Act, which seeks to establish an institutionalized national collegiate multi-sport competition.
“If we expect our Filipino athletes to consistently deliver outstanding performances and bring home medals from international competitions, we must also be willing to provide them with the necessary resources and support,” Go said.
“Hindi po puwedeng mataas ang ating expectations sa mga atleta, pero kulang naman ang pondong inilalaan natin para sa kanilang paghahanda at pagsasanay. Kaya mahalagang patuloy nating suportahan at dagdagan ang budget para sa sports,” Go concluded.