Senator Bong Go has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing sports development in the country, emphasizing the need to support both elite athletes and young talents in the grassroots. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go highlighted the importance of building systems that leave no Filipino athlete behind, regardless of background or location.
RELATED: [PH Becomes First Asia-Pacific Country To Join Special Sports Coalition]
Expanding NAS to Regions
Go is the author of Republic Act 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac. NAS provides a dual-track curriculum combining quality secondary education with sports-focused training, allowing student-athletes to pursue academics and athletics at the same time.
To extend this opportunity beyond Luzon, Go filed Senate Bill 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025. The bill aims to create regional NAS campuses, especially in Visayas and Mindanao, to make specialized sports education accessible to more youth.
“So that those who cannot come to Manila from Mindanao and Visayas can also study there. Let’s give them opportunities too,” Go said in Filipino.
Go shared that talks with agencies like the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, and Philippine Sports Commission are ongoing to move this plan forward.
Sustaining Support for Athletes
Beyond legislation, Sen. Bong Go has championed higher budgets to strengthen national sports programs, improve facilities, and provide essential support like nutrition, equipment, and mental wellness. Under his tenure, Philippine sports celebrated historic wins: the nation’s first Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 and two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He has also backed projects to rehabilitate major sports venues like Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Philsports Arena, recognizing that world-class infrastructure is vital to athlete success.
“Our proposed bills are focused on real-life issues faced by Filipinos today—from OFWs, vendors, and riders to senior citizens, students, and job seekers,” Go said.
He closed by encouraging young Filipinos to engage in sports not only for competition but also to lead healthier, drug-free lives.
“That is why I keep encouraging fellow Filipinos, especially the youth, to get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he said.
By bringing sports education closer to provinces and supporting grassroots athletes, these initiatives could unlock the country’s untapped potential, producing more homegrown champions, strengthening national pride, and making sports a real path to success for countless Filipino youth.
RELATED: [Bacolod City Coliseum Set For Completion This Year]
