MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go congratulated Filipino athletes for their strong and inspiring performance at the recently concluded 33rd Southeast Asian Games held in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand, saying their achievements brought honor and pride to the nation.
Team Philippines finished the regional meet with a total of 277 medals, 50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze, after competing across a wide range of sporting events. Go praised the athletes’ resilience, discipline, and commitment, noting that their efforts showcased Filipino excellence on the regional stage.
“Your dedication, sacrifice, and tenacity are a testament to the spirit of the Filipino,” Go said. “Each medal you’ve earned reflects not only personal excellence but also the collective strength of our nation.” Go cited several standout performances, including the gold medal victories of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s basketball teams, which he said brought joy to millions of Filipinos.
He also commended swimmer Kayla Sanchez, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and tennis standout Alex Eala, whose gold medal in women’s tennis ended a long-standing drought for the Philippines in the sport.
The senator likewise highlighted the historic gold medal win of the Filipinas women’s football team, calling it a breakthrough moment for Philippine sports. “Your remarkable performance inspires young Filipinos across the country to dream bigger and reach higher,” he said.
Go extended his appreciation to coaches, trainers, and support staff, emphasizing their vital role in the country’s international sporting success. “Your hard work and dedication uplift the Filipino spirit and set a powerful example of what we can achieve when we strive together,” he added.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go has consistently pushed for stronger institutional support for athletes, focusing on grassroots development and long-term sustainability. He is the author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The academy provides a dual-track system that integrates secondary education with specialized sports training for young student-athletes.
To expand access nationwide, Go filed Senate Bill (SB) 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. The measure aims to provide full scholarships while maintaining the academic and athletic standards of the main campus.
Go also authored SB 407, which proposes amendments to the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act to ensure more inclusive incentives for para-athletes. Other measures he filed include SB 413, or the Philippine National Games bill, which seeks to institutionalize a nationwide grassroots sports competition, and SB 678, or the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, which aims to formalize a national collegiate multi-sport tournament.
As the Senate sponsor of the sports budget, Go has advocated for increased funding for athlete development, facility improvements, and training support. He has pushed for the rehabilitation of major venues such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, stressing the importance of proper facilities, equipment, nutrition, and mental support in athlete performance.
Go reiterated his call for sustained investment in sports programs to strengthen the country’s competitiveness internationally while nurturing young talent at the grassroots level.
Source: Go lauds Filipino athletes’ strong showing at SEA Games
