The 13th ASEAN Para Games 2026 took place in Thailand from January 20 to 26, where the Philippine delegation delivered a remarkable showing, collecting a total of 134 medals—45 golds, 37 silvers, and 52 bronzes.
“Sa pag-uwi ninyo na may 134 medals, muli ninyong pinatunayan na walang hadlang sa isang pusong determinado, disiplinado, at handang lumaban para sa bayan. Hindi lamang kayo medal winners — kayo ay inspirasyon ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.
Go added, “To our para-athletes, saludo ako sa inyong tapang, tiyaga, at dedikasyon. Panalo man o hindi, proud ako sa inyo— panalo ang buong Pilipinas dahil sa inyo.”
In his speech, Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored the vital role of sports in nation-building and youth development, while stressing the importance of unity among stakeholders in advancing Philippine sports.
"Tama yung sinabi kanina ni Chairman Pato na pag sama-sama ang pagtutulungan ng private sector at gobyerno... malayo po ang mararating natin. Ang makikinabang po diyan ay ang ating mga atleta. Ako naman po, bilang inyong senador, ay patuloy ko pong isusulong ang mga batas na makakatulong po sa inyo,” he stated.
The senator placed strong emphasis on the urgent need to pass his proposed measure seeking to increase incentives for para-athletes. He highlighted his authorship and sponsorship of Senate Bill No. 1743, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act by upgrading and equalizing benefits for para-athletes.
The measure has already been approved on third reading in the Senate, prompting Go to make a direct appeal to the House of Representatives for its immediate passage.
“Pasado na po ito sa Senado, kaya ako po ay nananawagan sa ating mga kasamahan sa Kongreso na maipasa na ito bilang batas,” Go urged. “Hindi nila kasalanan na ipanganak na may kapansanan. Dapat pantay ang pagkilala at suporta ng gobyerno. Ano ba naman ‘yung maliit na halaga na ‘yun kumpara sa inyong dala-dala na honor sa inyong bayan.”
He stressed that institutionalizing equal incentives is not only a matter of fairness but also a recognition of the extraordinary sacrifices and dedication of para-athletes who bring pride to the nation.
The senator also shared that the Supreme Court, with finality, affirmed its decision directing the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to remit a portion of their income for the funding of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
He then mentioned the Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo and Secretary General Godofredo Custodio II and the PSC officers including Chairman Patrick Gregorio, Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, Commissioner Edward Hayco, Commissioner Matthew Gaston, Commissioner Walter Torres, and Atty. Guillermo Iroy.
In addition, the senator also cited his continued support for grassroots sports development, improved access to training facilities, and expanded medical and financial assistance for athletes.
Go also established RA 11470, or the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which he authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS offers a dual-track system combining quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, allowing young student-athletes to pursue academic excellence while developing their athletic talents.
To expand access to this model, Go filed SBN 171, or the proposed NAS Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish regional NAS campuses nationwide.
As the event concluded, Go expressed optimism for the future of Philippine sports, assuring athletes that the government remains steadfast in recognizing their sacrifices and supporting their journey toward greater success on the global stage.
“Patuloy ninyong dalhin ang inspirasyon sa mas marami pang Pilipino. Keep proving that limitations can be overcome, that excellence knows no boundaries. Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit. At sa ating mga para-athletes—go lang nang go!” he ended.
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