Senator Bong Go underscored the growing role of Filipina athletes in national development while reiterating his push for expanded sports programs, institutional support, and legislative measures during the All-Women Sports Awards 2026 held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The event, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), recognized 83 outstanding Filipina athletes, para-athletes, teams, coaches, and sports contributors based on their achievements in 2025.
Among the top honorees were the Philippine women’s national football team, also known as the Filipinas, which was named Athlete of the Year.
Addressing awardees and stakeholders, Go opened by acknowledging the significance of the occasion and its alignment with the celebration of Women’s Month.
“Isang karangalan po para sa akin na makasama ninyo sa pagdiriwang ng All-Women Sports Awards 2026. Lalo itong nagiging makahulugan ngayong ipinagdiriwang natin ang Women’s Month, kung saan kinikilala natin ang napakahalagang papel ng kababaihan sa ating lipunan—lalo na sa larangan ng sports,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker emphasized that the ceremony went beyond recognition, framing it as a reflection of the discipline and sacrifices of Filipina athletes.
“Ito ay selebrasyon ng tapang, determinasyon, at sakripisyo ng ating mga babaeng atleta.”
“Sa totoo lang, hindi lang po ito simpleng awarding ceremony. Ito ay selebrasyon ng tapang, determinasyon, at sakripisyo ng ating mga babaeng atleta. Kayo po ay patunay na walang limitasyon ang kayang maabot ng isang Pilipina kapag pinagsama ang sipag, disiplina, at puso,” the senator stated.
Go also extended his appreciation to the PSC, particularly Commissioner Bong Coo, for sustained efforts in supporting athletes and strengthening sports development nationwide.
“Nais ko rin pong magpasalamat sa Philippine Sports Commission, lalo na kay Commissioner Bong Coo, sa patuloy ninyong suporta sa ating mga atleta at sa pagpapalago ng sports sa bansa,” he said.
Serving as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go outlined ongoing legislative initiatives aimed at improving the country’s sports system, anchored on a comprehensive, inclusive, and grassroots-oriented approach to development that he has long pursued.
He cited Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored, as a key measure integrating academic education with high-level athletic training for young Filipino athletes. Established in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, the National Academy of Sports (NAS) offers a dual-track system combining quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum.
“Bilang Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Sports, patuloy po akong nagsusulong ng mga programa at batas na magpapalakas sa sports development sa ating bansa. Isa po dito ang Republic Act No. 11470 o ang National Academy of Sports, kung saan pinagsasabay ang kalidad na edukasyon at world-class training para sa ating mga kabataang atleta,” Go explained.
To expand access to this model, he 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, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, offering full scholarships while maintaining the standards of the main campus.
Go further detailed other pending measures he has filed to strengthen support across different sectors of Philippine sports.
“Isinusulong din natin ang iba pang mga panukala tulad ng Senate Bill No. 171 para mapalawak ang access sa National Academy of Sports sa iba’t ibang rehiyon, Senate Bill No. 1743 para sa mas pinalawak na suporta sa ating mga para-athletes, Senate Bill No. 413 para ma-institutionalize ang Philippine National Games, at Senate Bill No. 678 na magbibigay ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa ating mga student-athletes,” he added.
SBN 1743 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10699 to ensure inclusive incentives for para-athletes. Meanwhile, SBN 413, or the Philippine National Games bill, aims to institutionalize a nationwide grassroots sports competition serving as a recruitment platform for National Sports Associations. Senate Bill No. 678, or the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, seeks to formalize a national collegiate multi-sport tournament to further develop athletic talent at the tertiary level.
According to Go, these measures aim to widen opportunities, particularly for women, to pursue excellence in sports.
“Ang mga hakbang na ito ay para matiyak na mas marami pang Pilipino—lalo na ang kababaihan—ang magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap sa sports.”
“Ang mga hakbang na ito ay para matiyak na mas marami pang Pilipino—lalo na ang kababaihan—ang magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap sa sports,” he said.
As sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go has also pushed for increased funding to strengthen the country’s sports programs. He has advocated for the repair and improvement of key facilities such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, emphasizing the importance of proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support for athletes.
Since assuming the Chairpersonship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, Go has overseen a period marked by historic achievements in Philippine athletics, including the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and a twin gold medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He also reiterated the importance of sustaining grassroots programs to cultivate young talent and improve the country’s competitiveness in international competitions.
Closing his remarks, Go congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to continue striving for success while promoting healthy lifestyles.
“Sa lahat ng awardees ngayong araw, taos-puso po akong bumabati sa inyo. Hindi lamang kayo nagwagi sa inyong mga laban—kayo rin ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa mas nakararami,” he remarked.
“At lagi ko pong paalala: get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go said. “Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong laban. Patuloy kayong mangarap, magsikap, at magtagumpay. Go lang nang go!”
