The 77th PAL Inter-Club Golf Tournament was played across three premier golf courses in Davao City, namely South Pacific Golf Davao, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Sports Club, and Apo Golf and Country Club.
Go attended the gathering upon the invitation of South Pacific Golf Davao General Manager Elson Alvaran, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Sports Club General Manager Marlon Tabanao, and Apo Golf and Country Club Inc. General Manager Ed Marasigan. The event brought together participants and golf enthusiasts involved in the longstanding tournament.
The senator also expressed his appreciation to Philippine Airlines officials for organizing the event, including PAL President Richard Nuttall, PAL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Carlos Fernandez, and other officials who helped make the fellowship night possible.
In his remarks, Go extended his greetings to the organizers and participants and highlighted the value of sports in building lasting connections among people.
"It is always a pleasure to be among individuals who share a passion for sports, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Events like this remind us that sports go beyond the game itself. More than the scores and the trophies, what truly matters are the friendships built, the connections strengthened, and the shared experiences that bring people together," he explained.
"Ang inyong Senior Vice President ngayon, siya po ang naglilipad sa amin ni former President Duterte noon," Go shared.
Go also recognized the significance of the PAL Inter-Club Golf Tournament as a longstanding tradition among golf communities across the country.
"The PAL Inter-Club Golf Tournament has long been a respected tradition that gathers golf enthusiasts from different clubs and communities. Through the years, it has not only showcased talent and sportsmanship, but also fostered unity and fellowship among its participants," he said.
The senator congratulated the organizers and participants for continuing the tradition and sustaining the spirit of sportsmanship.
"To the organizers and participants, congratulations for keeping this tradition alive and for continuing to promote the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship through golf," he said.
Go also congratulated the winners of the 77th Philippine Airlines Inter-Club Golf Tournament, where Eastridge Golf Club emerged as overall champion, followed by Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club as first runner-up and Tagaytay Highlands Team IMG as second runner-up. He likewise acknowledged the winners across various divisions as well as all participants of the tournament.
Addressing the attendees, the senator encouraged them to continue pursuing their passion for sports.
"Sa mga kalahok, GO lang nang GO!" the senator told participants.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go also used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for initiatives that strengthen sports development across the country.
"Bilang Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Sports, patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang mga programang magpapalakas sa sports development sa ating bansa. One of the key steps we pushed for is the passage of Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports. Dito pinagsasama ang quality education at specialized sports training para matiyak na habana hinahasa ang galing ng ating mga batang atleta, hindi rin napapabayaan ang kanilang pag-aaral," he stated.
At the heart of this advocacy is the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established under Republic Act No. 11470, which Go authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS offers a dual-track system combining quality secondary education with specialized sports training, allowing young student-athletes to pursue academic studies while developing their athletic talents.
To expand access to this model, Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses nationwide, with particular focus on Visayas and Mindanao. The proposed campuses aim to provide full scholarships and maintain the academic and athletic standards of the main campus to ensure equitable development of sports talent across the country.
He added that the proposal under SBN 407 seeks to amend RA 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, to ensure inclusive incentives for para-athletes.
The senator also highlighted SBN 413, which aims to institutionalize the Philippine National Games as a regular nationwide sporting event.
Go likewise cited SBN 678, or the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, which seeks to establish a national competition for student-athletes from colleges and universities across the country.
"Maraming salamat, at nawa’y patuloy nating ipagdiwang ang pagkakaibigan at pagkakaisa na dulot ng sports," he concluded.