Senator Bong Go underscored the importance of school-based and grassroots sports in shaping young Filipinos, saying competitions such as the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games help student-athletes develop discipline, confidence, teamwork, and a stronger sense of purpose.
The message was delivered during the opening ceremony of the National PRISAA Games Negros 2026.
The chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth congratulated the Negros Island Region PRISAA, led by President Ryan Mark Molina, for the successful opening of the national games.
The 2026 PRISAA National Games are being held in Bacolod City from May 8 to 15, with the official event page listing nearly 90 private schools representing 18 regions nationwide, more than 4,000 expected athletes, coaches, and officials, and 21 confirmed sports disciplines. The opening ceremony was held at Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
In his message, Go also recognized the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for supporting programs and competitions that expand opportunities for young athletes across the country.
“Events like the PRISAA Games are important because they bring together students from different regions through sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and friendship,” the veteran legislator said.
“Many Filipino athletes begin at the grassroots level, with school-based competitions serving as training grounds.”
The seasoned lawmaker emphasized that many Filipino athletes begin at the grassroots level, with school-based competitions serving as training grounds where young people can test their skills, gain confidence, and pursue higher levels of competition.
“Senator Bong Go, as Chairman of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, firmly believes that many talented Filipino athletes come from the grassroots level. Through competitions like this, students are given the chance to showcase their abilities, build confidence, and pursue bigger dreams for themselves, their families, and the nation,” the representative said in the message.
The senator also reiterated his long-running reminder to the youth to use sports as a healthy and productive path.
“As the Senator always says, ‘Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit.’ Sports can become a positive outlet for the youth and a powerful tool in guiding them toward a brighter future,” the message added.
Addressing the athletes, coaches, technical officials, and organizers, Go’s message recognized the work behind the conduct of the games.
“To all the athletes, coaches, technical officials, and organizers, thank you for your hard work and dedication in making this event possible. Your commitment continues to inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes,” the message read.
“To our participants, enjoy the games, give your best in every competition, and continue striving for excellence.”
“To our participants, enjoy the games, give your best in every competition, and continue striving for excellence,” it continued.
“Once again, congratulations on the successful opening of the National PRISAA Games Negros 2026. Thank you very much, and mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino!” the message concluded.
Go’s sports agenda has focused on athlete welfare, sports infrastructure, youth development, and stronger pathways from grassroots competitions to national and international platforms.
At the center of this agenda is the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established under Republic Act No. 11470, which Go authored and co-sponsored. RA 11470 created the NAS System to develop the athletic skills and talents of students in world-class sports facilities, while implementing quality secondary education integrated with a special sports curriculum. The law also provides that the NAS main campus be established at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.
To expand access to this model, Go 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, with particular focus on Visayas and Mindanao. He also sponsored SBN 1743, which was already passed on 3rd reading in the Senate, to ensure inclusive incentives for medalists, particularly para-athletes.
Go also filed SBN 413, or the Philippine National Games bill, which seeks to institutionalize a nationwide grassroots sports competition that can serve as a recruitment platform for National Sports Associations. Meanwhile, SBN 678, or the proposed National Tertiary Games Act, seeks to formalize a national collegiate multi-sport tournament for athletes at the tertiary level.
As sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, he also pushed support for the repair and improvement of major sports facilities, including the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City. Go has linked sports funding with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support for Filipino athletes.
