Sen. Bong Go urges stronger grassroots sports development during the Arena Athletics pickleball opening in Davao City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for wider access to sports programs, stronger athlete development, and greater support for Filipino athletes, including para-athletes, as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 1st Annual Arena Athletics Pickleball Tournament in Davao City on Saturday, June 13.
The 1st Annual Arena Athletics Pickleball Tournament was held from June 12 to 14, bringing together athletes and sports enthusiasts as pickleball continues to gain popularity across the city. The growing number of local tournaments reflects increasing interest in the sport among Filipinos of different ages, contributing to promoting active lifestyles.
“Nalipay ko makita nga padayon nga nagkadaghan ang mga nagadula og pickleball sa atong nasud. Nagpakita kini nga mas daghan nang mga Pilipino ang naengganyo sa pag-apil sa sports ug sa pagpabiling aktibo isip kabahin sa mas himsog nga panginabuhi," Go said.
_(Natutuwa akong makita na patuloy na dumarami ang mga naglalaro ng pickleball sa ating bansa. Ipinapakita nito na mas marami nang Pilipino ang nahihikayat na makilahok sa sports at manatiling aktibo bilang bahagi ng mas malusog na pamumuhay.)_
He said sports should be viewed not only through competition results, trophies, or titles, but also through the values developed through regular participation.
“Padayon nato nga ginasuportahan ang mga programa ug mga inisyatiba nga maghatag og mas daghang oportunidad alang sa atong mga atleta ug kabatan-onan. Nagatuo ko nga pinaagi sa sports, makakat-on ta og disiplina, respeto, kakugi, ug pagtinabangay. Dili lamang kini mahitungod sa pagdaog o pagkahimong kampeon—ang sports usa ka pamaagi sa paghulma sa mga indibidwal nga adunay disiplina ug sportsmanship," he stated.
_(Patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang mga programa at inisyatibang nagbibigay ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa ating mga atleta at kabataan. Naniniwala ako na sa pamamagitan ng sports, natututo tayo ng disiplina, paggalang, kasipagan, at pagtutulungan. Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa panalo o pagiging kampeo. Ang sports ay isang paraan upang hubugin ang mga indibidwal na may disiplina at mahusay na sportsmanship.)_
He said support should include access, training, and opportunities so that more young Filipinos can discover their skills and improve them.
“That is why we continue to push for initiatives that strengthen sports development in the country—from the grassroots level to elite competition. We support measures that expand access, training, and opportunities for Filipino athletes so that more young people can discover and develop their talents.”
Go cited Republic Act No. 11470, which created and established the National Academy of Sports. The law provides for a system that combines secondary education with specialized sports training for qualified student-athletes. Event materials for Go’s speech identified him as having authored and co-sponsored RA 11470.
In the 20th Congress, Senate records list Senate Bill No. 171 as the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, filed by Go, seeking to expand the academy model by establishing additional campuses, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao. SBN 413, also filed by Go, seeks to institutionalize the Philippine National Games. SBN 678, filed by Go, seeks to institutionalize the National Tertiary Games as a national collegiate sports competition.
Go also highlighted support for para-athletes, saying athletes with disabilities should receive equal recognition, opportunities, and incentives when they bring honor to the country. He cited SBN 1743, a measure amending RA 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
“We believe that athletes with disabilities deserve the same opportunities, support, and rewards for bringing honor to our country. Under this proposal, incentives for para-athletes who win in international competitions will be increased to be at par with those received by other national athletes.”
The measure followed related legislative work on benefits and incentives for national athletes and coaches. SBN 407, filed by Go, was earlier listed as a bill amending Section 8 of RA 10699 and was later consolidated or substituted in the committee report.
Go also linked sports development to the need for sustainable funding, citing the Supreme Court ruling directing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to remit portions of their income to support the Philippine Sports Commission.
“With the Supreme Court's final ruling directing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to remit a portion of their income to support Philippine sports development, we are optimistic that sustainable funding will continue to be available for programs that benefit our athletes and sporting communities.”
The Supreme Court had ordered PAGCOR to account for and remit the full amount of five percent of its gross annual income from 1993 to the present in favor of the PSC. It also ordered PCSO to remit 30 percent representing the charity fund from the proceeds of six sweepstakes or lottery draws per year, including lotto draws, from 2006 to the present. Court records later showed that the motions for reconsideration of PAGCOR and PCSO were denied with finality.
Go also urged the athletes to use the competition as a venue not only to perform well, but also to learn from other players and build friendships and character.
“To all the participants, I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. Learn from one another, enjoy the experience, and give your best on the court. Remember that success is not measured solely by trophies or medals, but also by the lessons learned, friendships formed, and character developed along the way.”
Go also repeated his message to the youth to choose sports and avoid illegal drugs, framing sports as a constructive path for young people.
“I also take this opportunity to remind our youth: Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit. Sports can serve as a powerful tool in guiding young people toward a positive path while helping them become productive and responsible members of society.”
On the same day, Go also personally paid his respects to the family of the late Palarong Pambansa 2025 Most Valuable Player, Rene Clert Baterbonia, at his wake at Ateneo de Davao University - Bangkal Campus. He also attended the 1st Graduation Rites of AVS Aeroviation School of Mindanao Inc. at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.