AS the Philippines bagged the bronze medal in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday, Sen. Bong Go joined the spectators in proudly waving the Philippine flag and expressing great pride and appreciation for Alas Pilipinas.
Having also attended the semifinal match against Kazakhstan the previous day, Go made a point to personally meet the Filipina athletes after their victory over Australia to extend his congratulations.
"Well done, Alas Pilipinas, and thank you for bringing honor to our nation! I fully support sports and am here to back Alas Pilipinas," he said.
HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO HISTORIC BRONZE Alas Pilipinas makes history with a podium finish, taking home the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 on May 29, 2024. Angel Canino and Jia De Guzman were awarded Best Opposite Spiker and Best Setter, respectively. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO
"What's important is that we see our athletes fighting," added Go, emphasizing his dedication to the progress of Philippine sports and the well-being of our athletes.
Reflecting on the resilience of the team, Go remarked that Filipinos are well-known for their fighting spirit.
"Regardless of the challenge, Filipinos and Filipinas never back down," he said.
In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission, the senator expressed intent to provide financial support in the amount of P200,000 to each qualified player and coaching staff of Alas Pilipinas.
Alas Pilipinas defeated Australia, 25-23, 25-15, 25-7 to give the country its best finish in the tournament's 63-year history.
Meanwhile, Go expressed pride in the contingent of Filipino athletes preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is advocating for additional financial support for those representing the country in the upcoming competitions in France.
"Good luck to our Olympians. I think there are twelve of them competing now. Among them are (EJ) Obiena, (Carlos) Yulo and others. Good luck to you all. I am here supporting our athletes. We fight with the heart of a Filipino," he said.
He is also calling the nation to support its athletes.
"Let's support our athletes. They carry our honor; they carry our flag. Good luck to our Filipino athletes. Let's dedicate all our fights to the Filipinos and the nation," said Go.
Go has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting sports initiatives that benefit student-athletes, fostering empowered youth who can further contribute to nation-building.
He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. This pioneering institution integrates secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, providing a unique platform for student-athletes to excel academically and athletically.
Moreover, Go filed and principally sponsored Senate Bill 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games Act.
This legislation aims to institutionalize a comprehensive framework for a national sports program, merging grassroots sports promotion with the broader agenda of national sports development.
The measure passed its third and final reading in the Senate on May 20.