Go files bill institutionalizing PNG

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go filed before the weekend Senate Bill No. 2001, an act that would institutionalize the Philippine National Games (PNG).

Go said the bill, also called the PNG Act, aims to further promote and fulfill the long-term sports development program in the country.

“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.

One of the bill’s goals, according to Go, is to institutionalize a comprehensive national sports program linking grassroots sports promotion to elite sports development initiatives.

“I believe that sports provides a holistic growth for our youth, promotes camaraderie and inspires nationalism—besides the fact that sports keep them away from illegal drugs,” Go said.

Go said that the bill also encourages local government officials to promote the development of sports in the countryside.

“This would cover all barangays, towns, municipalities, cities and provinces,” he said.

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

“This will hopefully constitute the national pool to be trained for international sports competition,” Go added.

Once this bill becomes a law, Go said the PNG’S management, coordination and implementation will still be carried out by the Philippine Sports Commission.