SEOUL, South Korea -- Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, and the World University Taekwondo Federation (WUTF) on Tuesday bestowed honorary blackbelt titles upon President Rodrigo Duterte and Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
With an invitation from the World University Taekwondo Federation (WUTF) Governor Kim Seong Tae, President Rodrigo Duterte, who is on an official visit to South Korea, was presented an Honorary 9th Dan Blackbelt certificate while Go was given an Honorary 5th Dan Blackbelt certificate and uniform at the Kukkiwon, National Taekwondo Institute here.
Go attended the ceremony at the taekwondo headquarters and delivered a short message on how honored he was to receive the blackbelt before notable officials of the institution.
He mentioned how the Philippine government supports sports, including Taekwondo, which is a growing sport in the Philippines.
Go said Taekwondo teaches the art of excellence and perfection, as well as self-discipline.
“Back in the Philippines, I have always advocated to the Filipino youth the use and practice of sports as an alternative to vices and other unproductive pursuits,” he said in his speech. “When you have discipline, you are better able to handle challenges and obstacles.”
Sports is being advocated by Go to support the Duterte administration’s three-point campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality.
Previous recipients of Honorary Dan Blackbelts include former US President Barrack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two were given Honorary 9th Dan Blackbelt certificates. (PCOO)
