Always count on SBG

There’s nothing Sen. Bong Go wouldn’t do to support Filipino athletes and grassroots sports development. As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports since 2019, he’s been at the forefront of the country’s efforts to increase funding for the preparation, training and competitive performance of Filipino athletes while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

SBG isn’t only a supporter of sports but also a huge fan. Whenever he finds time in his busy schedule, SBG watches PBA games live, regardless of which teams are playing. When he’s in the venue, fans line up for selfies and everyone gets the chance to share a photo. It’s his nature to be accessible and accommodating. There’s a reason why he’s called Mr. Malasakit. By the way, SBG plays basketball, too and don’t make the mistake of challenging him to a three-point shootout.

At the San Miguel Corp. Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night in the Manila Hotel last Monday, it was no surprise that SBG attended as a special guest. He wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to be with the past year’s biggest Filipino sports achievers and congratulate them for their feats. SBG presented the Athlete of the Year award to double Paris Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo whom he cited for inspiring the nation “with his unmatched discipline and world-class performances.” SBG’s presence alone was an expression of his commitment to support the athletic community and encourage the younger generation to pursue excellence in sports.

As a unifying force, SBG called on the POC, PSC and National Sports Associations to come together and work as one. “Ako naman bilang legislator at chair ng sports, nandito lang sa likod na sumusuporta,” he said. The record shows SBG has been instrumental in shaping the future of Philippine sports, playing a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, sponsoring a bill to increase incentives for para-athletes, advocating for significant upgrades to key infrastructure at the Rizal Memorial and PhilSports Arena and partnering with PSC to provide additional financial backing for each Filipino Olympian.

Recognizing the role that media plays in keeping the public informed and aware of issues that impact development, SBG filed a measure, if enacted into law, seeking to provide enhanced protection, security and benefits for media practitioners including additional health insurance coverage, overtime and night differential pay and other incentives. He paid tribute to PSA, which was established in 1948, as the leader in sports journalism to include editors and writers from tabloids, broadsheets and online.