Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (File photo)
MANILA – Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, committee on sports chairperson, on Monday said investing in sports will keep the youth away from harmful vices, including illegal drugs.
Go made this remark as he expressed his full support to the proposed 2022 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).
"Suportado ko po ang pagbigay ng kaukulang budget sa (I am supporting the granting of appropriate budget to) PSC at GAB. As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and as a passionate advocate for sports development in the country, I believe that investing in sports will not only allow our country to develop more world-class athletes who can bring pride, honor, and medals to our country, but will also help us in keeping our youth away from illegal drugs and other harmful vices," Go said during the budget hearing of the two government sports bodies on Monday.
Go asked Senate Committee on Finance chairman Sonny Angara to approve the proposed budgets, including the PHP211.5 million for PSC.
"Mr. Chair, let me point out that the PSC and GAB need budgetary support from us now, more than ever, as they are finding it difficult to keep our sports program afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic," Go said.
Go, one of the vice chairpersons of the Senate finance committee also urged the rest of his colleagues to support the PSC and GAB budget proposals as the Philippines looks to continue its sports renaissance anchored upon the 2019 Southeast Asian Games overall championship and the historic gold medal conquest in the Tokyo Olympics.
"Through our efforts, the Philippines became the top-performing country in Southeast Asia in the recent Tokyo Olympics. Kaya naman po hinihimok ko ang ating mga kasamahan na suportahan ang budget ng PSC at GAB para tuloy-tuloy lang po ang sports development sa ating bansa (That is why I am calling on my colleagues to support the PSC and GAB budgets for the continuous sports development in our country). For these reasons, I have no objections to the proposed budget,” he said.
Go also pushed for a higher budget for sports development since the funds given to sports agencies have been utilized properly this year.
"This year, I am sure that our agencies will likewise utilize the budget prudently and wisely for the benefit of our nation," he said. (PNA)
