Go rallies support for Asiad bets

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, recently expressed his full support for Filipino athletes participating in the ongoing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“Suportahan natin ang mga kababayan nating sumasabak sa kasalukuyang 19th Asian Games,” he said in a statement upon arriving in China to show his personal support to the Philippine delegation.

“Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, taus-puso kong pinupuri at pinasasalamatan ang mga manlalaro nating ibinibigay ang lahat para itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ginaganap na kompetisyon. Manalo man o matalo, ang importante ay magkaisa tayo para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino!” added the senator.

“Our unity is the best form of moral support to inspire our competing athletes to give their best. Let us all rally behind them as they continue to bring glory to our country. Laban Pilipinas! Ipakita natin ang puso ng Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo!” he said.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has strongly advocated for increased funding for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission particularly in support of athletes competing in international competitions this year.

“During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission,” he said.

This move secured financial support for athletes participating in international competitions, including the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the current Asian Games in China.

He disclosed an allocation of P50 million through the PSC for the Asian Games, along with P30 million specifically for Asian Para Games.

To promote greater inclusivity and equality in sports, Go also proposed Senate Bill 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. The bill seeks to provide enhanced financial incentives and benefits for para-athletes who represent the Philippines in international competitions.

He emphasized the need for increased incentives for para-athletes.