Senator Bong Go graced the Junior World Team Championship 2026 of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) at Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City as Special Guest of Honor, reaffirming his strong support for young athletes from around the world as they demonstrated excellence, discipline, and sportsmanship.
“Congratulations to the organizers of the Junior World Team Championship 2026… Palakpakan natin ang lahat ng parents. Lahat naman tayo, all of us, parents, are very supportive of our children. Ako din po, meron akong anak, CPA Lawyer. Lahat kaming mga magulang, sinusuportahan natin ang ating mga anak, sa education, sports, at iba pa, dahil mahal na mahal natin sila,” Go shared, highlighting the vital role of families in nurturing the youth.
The international tournament brought together 180 players, comprising Filipino and International participants, as well as promising junior golfers from various countries, fostering camaraderie, cultural exchange, and healthy competition. The event was led by President Joseph Gan, with the support of the JGFP Board of Trustees and the organizing committee headed by John Gaisano.
“To our international delegates, athletes, coaches, and guests, welcome to the Philippines. It is an honor for our country to host this prestigious event that brings not only skills and competition but also friendship, cultural respect, and unity among nations,” the veteran legislator said.
During the event, the seasoned lawmaker and his team gave shirts, pens, fans, and balls to the participants.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, he underscored the importance of international sporting events in molding the character of the youth. The senator emphasized that beyond honing athletic abilities, such competitions instill discipline, perseverance, and resilience.
“Events like this not only discover our future champions. They also build individuals who carry values that go beyond the game.”
“I have always believed in the power of sports to shape discipline, character, and resilience, especially among the youth. Events like this not only discover our future champions. They also build individuals who carry values that go beyond the game,” he emphasized.
Go also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for its continued commitment to grassroots sports development, stressing that sustained institutional support is key to producing world-class athletes.
He then highlighted several legislative initiatives he has supported and filed in the Senate to strengthen the country’s sports development programs.
One of the key measures Go backed is Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored to establish the National Academy of Sports (NAS). The law allows promising young athletes to pursue quality education while undergoing specialized sports training, ensuring their academic and athletic growth go hand in hand.
To expand access to this model, he filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the proposed National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025. The measure seeks to establish regional NAS campuses nationwide, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Go is also pushing for SBN 407, which already passed on 3rd reading in the Senate aiming to expand the support and benefits for Filipino para-athletes in recognition of their dedication and achievements in representing the country internationally.
He also highlighted SBN 413, which aims to institutionalize the Philippine National Games as a regular nationwide sporting event. Meanwhile, SBN 678, also known as the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, aims to establish a national competition for student-athletes from colleges and universities nationwide.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Go recalled his own experience at the same venue.
“I learned to play golf here at Apo Golf. Napakahirap po nitong golf course. Maalala ko ‘yung hole number 11. Naubos na ang box ko ng bola pero hindi pa rin ako makatawid,” he shared.
Addressing the young athletes, Go commended their dedication and passion.
“Victories are not only measured by trophies, but by the lessons you gain, the friendships you build, and the respect you show to one another.”
“You are here because of your hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Continue to give your best in every swing, every round, and every hole. More importantly, remember that victories are not only measured by trophies, but by the lessons you gain, the friendships you build, and the respect you show to one another,” he stressed.
He further emphasized the value of perseverance: “Mas masarap po ang pakiramdam kapag nanalo ka na pinaghirapan mo. Hindi lang sa sports, pati sa edukasyon at sa buhay. Mas mabuti na pinaghihirapan natin ang ating mga tagumpay.”
Go encouraged participants to give their best while cherishing the friendships formed throughout the tournament, noting that sports serve as a powerful platform for unity and mutual respect among diverse cultures.
Reiterating his long-standing advocacy, he left the young athletes with a reminder: “Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep healthy and fit.”
“Compete with integrity, play with heart, and enjoy every moment of this experience,” Go concluded.
