Senator-Elect Commits to Boosting Philippine Sports Funding
Senator-elect Christopher “Bong” Go has pledged to prioritize measures aimed at increasing the budget for Philippine sports. He highlighted that the honor and pride Filipino athletes bring to the country far outweigh the current limited funding the sports sector receives.
“We should also further advance sports development in the country especially in the grassroots so that aspiring young athletes can be given the opportunity to improve their skills and hopefully eventually produce more Olympic medalists who will bring honor to our country,” Go shared during his proclamation speech at The Tent in Manila Hotel on May 17.
Connecting Sports and Drug Prevention
Go also emphasized the important link between sports and drug prevention, urging especially the youth to engage in sports activities as a way to stay healthy and avoid harmful habits. “That is why I keep encouraging fellow Filipinos, especially the youth, to get into sports, stay away from drugs and keep them healthy and fit,” he said.
Despite the country’s limited resources, Filipino athletes have achieved historic successes, including the nation’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in 2020 and two additional golds in the 2024 Paris Games. These remarkable victories highlight the need for sustained investment and support.
Addressing the Budget Gap in Philippine Sports
However, the senator pointed out that the budget allocated to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) remains relatively small compared to the overall national budget. “The pie that the PSC receives from the budget is very small. The Philippines’ budget is huge, but what is given to sports programs is small,” he noted.
“But the honor that our athletes carry with them every time we win cannot be bought or exchanged for any amount of money. It is too much,” he added, underscoring the priceless value of their achievements.
Beyond Financial Support: Holistic Assistance for Athletes
Go stressed that athletes require more than just financial aid. They need moral support, proper nutrition, quality equipment, and modern training facilities to focus fully on their performance. “I believe that our athletes don’t just need financial support. They need moral support, they need food, equipment, and our athletes shouldn’t have to think about anything else. They should be focused on playing and training,” he said.
“They shouldn’t have to think about what they should carry, the equipment, the supplies… The government should support our athletes,” the lawmaker added.
For more news and updates on increased investment in Philippine sports, visit Filipinokami.com.