Go underscores role of sports in nation-building
Sen. Bong Go reiterated his commitment to look after the welfare of Filipino athletes as he vowed to push for long-term sports development starting from the grassroots.
Go thanked President Marcos for giving due recognition to the country’s athletes and frontliners at the military-civic parade during the leader’s inauguration last Thursday at the National Museum in Manila.
“As chair of the Senate committee on sports, I am one with President Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” Go said.
A total of 25 athletes and coaches in wushu, sepak takraw, jiu-jitsu, judo, kurash, shooting, rowing and gymnastics joined the parade.
Health care workers and other frontliners were also present, giving due recognition to their sacrifices, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am delighted seeing our athletes marching at the military-civic parade during today’s swearing in ceremony of President Marcos,” Go said.
“Let this also serve as a reminder of the continuing sacrifices of our modern-day heroes: our health care workers and our many frontliners who put their lives on the line so we can be protected from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
The senator has been consistently pushing for measures and programs for the country’s long-term and grassroots sports development.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte has likewise been supportive of Filipino athletes, hence, the senator expressed hope that the inclusion of athletes during the parade signifies the Marcos administration’s similar commitment to promote sports in the country.
“The program will both help our country become again one of the sports powerhouses in Asia and to also encourage our young people to stay away from illegal drugs and criminality by going into sports,” Go said.
The senator earlier authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) System and Main Campus at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.
The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos, who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.
The academy is equipped with world-class sports facilities, housing and other amenities on par with international standards.
Sufficient number of classrooms and other facilities have also been built at the complex to provide a conducive learning environment for all students.
The NAS officially started its first academic year on Sept. 13 last year.
Last June 14, Go accompanied Duterte in the inspection of the academy.
The senator remarked that the facility is a gift to the Filipino youth from the Duterte administration.
“It is an honor to help provide these opportunities for students who wish to achieve more in their lives and help make a difference through proper education and sports development. During my first month as a senator, I dreamed of establishing an educational institution that would specialize in sports development,” Go said.
He also joined Duterte during the groundbreaking of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) last June 17 in Bagac, Bataan.
As vice chair of the Senate committee on finance, Go had pushed for the funding of the site development and preparation of the Master Development Plan of the center. It is targeted to be completed by 2024.