Sen. Bong Go reminded young athletes in Davao City of the importance of choosing sports over illegal drugs as he joined the opening of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Pekaf) Mindanao qualifying tournament on Saturday.
Speaking before participants of the regional competition, Go underscored how sports help develop discipline, values, and opportunities for youth across the country. He encouraged competitors to stay active and focused, telling them: “Get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit.”
Go has been a consistent advocate for grassroots sports development, noting that community-level programs give young athletes a chance to grow and compete regardless of background or location.
He also highlighted the role of the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which he helped establish through Republic Act 11470. The NAS provides a dual-track system that allows students to pursue secondary education while undergoing specialized athletic training.
To expand access to this model beyond Luzon, Go filed Senate Bill 171 proposing the creation of NAS campuses in Visayas and Mindanao. The additional campuses, he said, will offer full scholarships and “mirror the academic and athletic standards” of the main NAS campus in New Clark City.
Go added that expanding regional NAS facilities will help more students pursue sports without leaving their home regions, ensuring that athletic development becomes more inclusive and geographically accessible.
