Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has intensified his call for robust grassroots sports development and cultural pride, emphasizing their role in nation-building. The senator delivered this message while attending the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Pekaf) Mindanao Qualifying Tournament held at the University of Mindanao in Davao City on Saturday, November 22.
Sports as a Tool for Discipline and Health
Addressing hundreds of young martial artists, Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored the transformative power of athletics. He presented sports as a vital avenue for maintaining physical health, building discipline, and sharpening focus. His advice to the participants was clear and direct: "Get into sports and stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit."
He stressed that events like the Pekaf tournament are not merely competitions but are crucial in molding the character of the youth and unlocking opportunities for athletes outside the national capital region.
Legislative Push for Nationwide Sports Development
Go highlighted his enduring advocacy for creating structured pathways for young athletes. A cornerstone of this effort is the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, established under Republic Act 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. The NAS provides a dual-track system combining academic studies with elite sports training.
To democratize access, Go has filed Senate Bill 171, which seeks to establish NAS regional campuses in Visayas and Mindanao. These campuses would offer full scholarships and mirror the high standards of the main campus, ensuring talented youths nationwide can pursue their athletic and academic dreams.
Furthermore, the senator is pushing for two key legislative measures to institutionalize grassroots sports competitions:
- Senate Bill 413: Aims to institutionalize the Philippine National Games as a unified platform for discovering talent for national sports associations.
- Senate Bill 678 (National Tertiary Games Act): Seeks to formalize a collegiate multi-sport tournament, creating a bridge from school leagues to elite national competitions.
Honoring Heritage and Service
During the event, Go acknowledged the efforts of Senate Majority Leader Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, who also serves as Pekaf president, in promoting Filipino martial arts. He also thanked local organizers, including OIC Michael Denton Aportadera of the Davao City Sports Development Office, for sustaining community sports programs.
The tournament saw around 500 Arnisadors from across Mindanao gather, celebrating a discipline deeply embedded in pre-colonial Filipino warrior culture. Go's Malasakit Team distributed tokens to participants, continuing his hands-on approach to public service.
Concluding his message, Go reminded everyone of the deeper purpose behind both Arnis and public service. "Let us remember, we pass through this world only once. Whatever good, help, or honor we can give… let us do it now," he urged, linking athletic pursuit to a broader life philosophy of timely and meaningful action.
