Senator Bong Go calls for grassroots sports program to produce world-class athletes

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday called for a grassroots sports program to produce world-class Filipino athletes.

In a press release, Go said success in sports begins at the community level, saying the Philippines should have sports programs across the country to develop young athletes from the ground up.

Go welcomed the Supreme Court’s final and executory resolution affirming its 2024 ruling compelling the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to remit their mandated shares to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under Republic Act No. 6874.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and the Senate Committee on Youth, Go emphasized that the ruling will help modernize sports facilities, improve equipment, and provide stronger support systems for aspiring athletes .

“Malaking tulong ito para masigurong tuluy-tuloy ang suporta sa sports development, lalo na sa grassroots kung saan unang nahuhubog ang talento ng ating mga kabataan,” Go said, noting that reliable funding is crucial to long-term athlete development.

He also called on the Philippine Sports Commission to ensure transparency and proper use of the additional funds.

“Responsibilidad nating siguruhin na ang pondong ito ay napupunta talaga sa mga atleta at sa mga programang direktang makakatulong sa kanilang pagsasanay at pag-unlad,” the senator stressed.

UPGRADING OF SPORTS FACILITIES

The ruling comes as government agencies move to accelerate the upgrading of sports infrastructure nationwide. The national government earlier announced that PAGCOR and the PSC have agreed to work together to complete and modernize key sports facilities across the country.

Among the projects lined up are the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building, which will house training venues for bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other disciplines. The partnership will also fast-track the development of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao into a specialized watersports training facility for surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing.

The broader Siargao Sports Complex is likewise set for upgrading to include facilities for basketball, volleyball, badminton, a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex will be developed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula, while the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City is undergoing rehabilitation to serve as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras, complete with a track and field oval, Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other amenities.

Go said these initiatives ensure that increased funding translates into concrete benefits.

“Ang karagdagang suporta at pondo ay magbibigay ng bagong sigla sa ating mga atleta, magpapatibay sa grassroots development, at magbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa kabataan na makilahok sa sports,” he said.

FROM COMMUNITY LEVEL TO NATIONAL COMPETITION

Beyond infrastructure, Go underscored the importance of institutional reforms and long-term programs that provide clear pathways for young athletes from the community level to national competition.

Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional campuses of the National Academy of Sports, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao.

He likewise filed Senate Bill No. 413, or the proposed Philippine National Games bill, which seeks to institutionalize a nationwide grassroots sports competition that will serve as a talent identification and recruitment platform for National Sports Associations.

Senate Bill No. 678, or the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, aims to formalize a national collegiate multi-sport tournament to further nurture and showcase athletic talent at the tertiary level.

“Sa pamamagitan ng maayos na programa at sapat na suporta mula grassroots hanggang kolehiyo, mas mabibigyan natin ng malinaw na direksyon ang mga kabataang atleta na nangangarap magtagumpay sa larangan ng sports,” Go said.

-Paraluman News