Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, lauded Filipino climbers Ric Rabe, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad for their historic and courageous ascent to the summit of Mount Everest.
Rabe reached the summit on Thursday, May 15 and he safely returned to the base camp on May 17, while Panganiban and Mapalad successfully reached the Everest peak on May 18.
Rabe, a proud Mindanaoan from Cotabato City, became the first Filipino to successfully reach the world’s highest peak in nearly two decades, following in the footsteps of Leo Oracion and Erwin Emata, who conquered Everest in 2006.
Mapalad of San Juan City and Panganiban of Pasig City started their final push to the mountaintop on May 14.
“Alam kong hindi madali ang pagdadaanan bago makarating sa tuktok ng Mt. Everest, pero pinatunayan nila na walang imposible.”
“The three mountaineers’ achievements are a testament of the courage and resilience of Filipinos. Alam kong hindi madali ang pagdadaanan bago makarating sa tuktok ng Mt. Everest, pero pinatunayan nila na walang imposible. Yan ang pusong Pilipino!” Go said.
“Their successful climb is not just a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the entire country,” the legislator said.
“As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, patuloy kong susuportahan ang mga atleta sa kanilang mga ginagawa. Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, get into sports, stay away from drugs, to stay healthy and fit,” the lawmaker added.
The senator played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in their sports and academic endeavors.
As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, he has been instrumental in securing support for the country’s sports development.
Go advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.
He has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
Earlier, Go also welcomed the developments that would allow the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to access more funding through the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). Aside from the annual budget it receives through the General Appropriations Act (GAA), the PSC is expected to receive additional financial resources through remittances from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and other government agencies.
Additionally, Go then offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Philipp “PJ” Santiago II, a Filipino climber who tragically passed away during his Everest expedition at Camp 4 on May 14.
“He will be remembered as a symbol of bravery and hope.”
“Nakikiramay ako pamilya ni PJ at sa buong mountaineering community. Hiling ko ang mabilis na paghilom ng kalooban ng mga naulila ni PJ. He will be remembered as a symbol of bravery and hope,” Go emphasized.
Go reiterated his commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and adventurers, and to ensuring that they are given the necessary support.
“Nandito lang po ako, ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, handa na magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao, ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos,” he concluded.
