SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday emphasized the urgent need for improved sports facilities in communities nationwide during a budget hearing he presided on as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.
As its budget’s sponsor, Go highlighted the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) crucial role in the nation’s grassroots sports development as he expressed deep concern over the state of existing sports infrastructure.
“Looking into the facilities shown [by the PSC], there is a need to invest in sports facilities and let’s not allow these to deteriorate,” said Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Sports.
Go also urged the government to refocus resources for the construction of training facilities and comfortable housing for athletes instead of allocating funds on flood control projects located in areas with little to no population.
“Let’s provide out athletes with decent and comfortable living quarters, and I am calling on the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] that instead of flood control projects in areas where there are no people, lets focus these resources to our athletes,” he said. “Perhaps you can set aside a budget for this.”
He specifically mentioned the need for repairs at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City which opened in 1985 and the provision of comfortable quarters for athletes.
Go reiterated his strong belief that sports can serve as a deterrent for the youth against engaging in illegal drugs and other harmful activities.
“I always say ‘get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,’” he said. “Sports is one effective way of shielding the youth from illegal drugs.”
He added: “This is one way of continuing the anti-illegal drugs campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte. If illegal drugs are back flourishing, criminality and corruption in government follows.”
As author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11470, Go has already made significant legislative contributions to Philippine sports.
The act led to the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, that was developed in coordination with the PSC and the Department of Education with the NAS offerimg a specialized secondary education program focused on sports.
“They can train and study at the same time, nothing will be sacrificed, that’s the essence of the National Academy of Sports, it’s now a law and it has the facilities,” he said.
Last year, Go graced the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) in Bagac, Bataan. He earlier pushed for funding for site development and preparation of the Master Development Plan of PSTC.
In previous years, he has also been instrumental in securing funding for a variety of world-class sports facilities across the Philippines.
In Luzon, the Senator advocated for the Bustos Multipurpose Sports Facility in Bulacan, a comprehensive training ground that will include a tennis court, swimming pool and multiple indoor courts for various sports. Furthermore, the Oval Sports Facility in Limay, Bataan is designed to host both local and regional sports events and will include a standard-sized football field and a running track.
In Taytay, Rizal, Go supported a project turning an old dumpsite into a sports complex. The five-hectare area will feature an open athletic field, Olympic-size pools and covered basketball courts, aligning with the local government’s development plans.
In Laguna, the Siniloan Sports Complex aims to serve as a community hub for various sports activities, including a football field, running track and indoor sports facilities.
Other construction or expansion of sports facilities were also supported by Go in Ifugao, Tarlac, Ilocos Sur, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and key cities in Metro Manila.
In the Visayas, enhanced sports facilities were pushed through the support of Go, including in Cebu, Bohol and Samar. Unique in its focus is the skatepark as well as a Pentathlon Facility in Ormoc City which will cater to niche sports like pentathlon and will feature a dedicated fencing hall.
Not to be left behind, Mindanao is also pushing for better sports facilities such as in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro, while Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental are nearing the completion of their respective sports centers.
Go was also instrumental in pushing for the Datu Abdullah Sangki Sports Complex in Maguindanao, which is said to be the largest sports complex in South Central Mindanao, featuring a grand stadium, various courts and an administrative building.
In Marawi City, Go also supported the ongoing construction of the Sarimanok Sports Complex and Marawi Convention Center as vital community hubs.
The sports complex will have a 3,700-seat stadium and multiple sports courts, while the convention center will offer a 1,000-guest auditorium and exhibit area. Both are seen as avenues for uniting the Maranao community post-Marawi siege.
In Dapa town in Siargao Island, the Sports and Tourism Complex is another noteworthy facility that Go advocated for. Spanning 6.3 hectares, it can accommodate up to 1,632 people and is equipped with various sports courts, a dormitory for student-athletes, and a convention center once completed.
Go said athletes should be fully supported in all aspects, from their training environment to their living conditions and even their nutrition.
