SEN. Bong Go emphasized on Monday the significance of collaboration between the government and private sectors to enhance Filipino athletes' welfare and global competitiveness.
As the chairman of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, Go highlighted the necessity of mutual support from both sectors, noting that such cooperation is essential for athletes' success.
"What's important is mutual support. Support from the government, support from the private sector," said Go, stressing the vital synergy needed for athletic achievement.
Reflecting on his early senatorial days in 2019, Go advocated for additional support for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz from private entities due to governmental limitations.
"Back in 2019, when I had just become a senator, I also pushed for Hydilyn Diaz to receive support from a private company because the government support was insufficient and there were too many requirements. We need to support our athletes not covered by the government," he said.
According to Go, this collaborative approach led to significant achievements.
"This means that when the government and private sector come together to support an athlete, we can go far. And we can win gold at the Olympics," he stated.
In 2019, Go was instrumental in securing a sponsorship deal between Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Hidilyn Diaz, aiding her training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she secured the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal.
Go also lauded the recent successes of gymnast Carlos Yulo, who secured two Olympic gold medals in the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the potential of dedicated support.
"And look at Carlos Yulo. He has immense potential. His gymnastics association supported him. You see, they have been focusing on him for a long time. We won, we achieved the gold we were aiming for, and we got two," he said.
Reflecting on Yulo's attributes and the broader Filipino spirit, Go's narrative admired the athletes' determination and heart to succeed.
"You see, Carlos Yulo may be small, but he is formidable. You can see that height is not the only thing that matters in being an athlete. But you can see his potential. And our golden boy is amazing. The heart of a Filipino is bigger than others," Go added, celebrating the resilience and spirit of Filipino athletes.
On the same day, Go filed Senate Resolution 1100, congratulating gymnast Carlos Yulo for his outstanding performance in the Olympics.
Go continues to champion the cause of Filipino athletes in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In June, Go partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission to distribute checks worth P500,000 to each Olympian to aid in their preparations for the Paris Olympics.
Following their bronze medal victory at the Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup, the Alas Pilipinas Women's Volleyball Team received financial support of P200,000 from Go, through the PSC.
In 2021, Go supported the PSC's proposal to advocate for additional allowances and incentives for Filipinos who participated in and won in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in Japan.
Go has been a steadfast advocate for grassroots sports development for many years. He played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring the Republic Act 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in their sports and academic endeavors.
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