Bong Go calls for upgrading of sports facilities during Senate deliberations for sports budget to support athletes’ development

During a public hearing for the proposed 2025 budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) on Monday, October 7, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored the pressing need for improved sports facilities across the country. 

In his opening remarks, Go pointed out the importance of ensuring that sports facilities are up to standard, enabling athletes to train in a conducive environment. He has earlier supported the rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.

"Mahalaga rin po na magkaroon ng tama at sapat na training ang ating mga sports facilities na maaaring maging training center ng mga atleta," Go said. "Napansin ko noong 2023, sa pag-iikot ko, nakalaro ako mismo d’yan sa PhilSports, may tulo."

Go emphasized that such issues negatively impacted athletes, and therefore, upgrading and rehabilitating these facilities is a top priority. He specifically highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of RMSC, a project he personally supported and pushed for.

“Isinulong natin ang rehabilitation ng Rizal Memorial Sports Complex at ng PhilSports Complex. I hope na magkaroon na kayo ng update dito dahil ito isa sa ating mga isinulong,” he stated.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann presented updates on various projects under the commission’s purview. He revealed that there were still unreleased appropriations for locally funded projects, such as research, seminars, and infrastructure development, including the provision of gym equipment for RMSC and PhilSports.

Bachmann also discussed the status of ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of baseball fields and dormitories. He presented timelines for various developments, highlighting the PHP 450 million rehabilitation and upgrading of Building B at the PhilSports Complex, among others.

For the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex project, Bachmann revealed that the renovation of the Philippine Sports Commission Museum and reconstruction of the multipurpose gym would commence by November 2024, with Phase 2 of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium rehabilitation set to follow.

However, Go was particularly concerned about the long delays in project implementation, emphasizing that such delays hinder athletes from enjoying proper facilities for rest and recovery.

"Napapansin ko, inaprubahan natin ang December budget… October na ngayon, ‘di pa rin na-naumpisahan. Isang taon ang preparation ng dokumento, bidding and everything… hindi kaagad napapakinabangan ng atleta," Go said.

Go continued his emphasis on the importance of swift project implementation, highlighting how the slow pace of construction negatively affects athletes. He urged concerned agencies to help PSC tonexpedite the process to ensure that the facilities are completed as soon as possible.

"Ang tagal… Imbis na pwedeng matulog ‘yung mga athletes natin para magamit nila 'yan, magpapahinga sila. Problema, ‘yung pondo, natutulog, hindi pa naumpisahan ‘yung proyekto," Go remarked. "Laking tulong sana itong mga PhilSports dormitory buildings para sa ating mga atleta. Alang-alang na lang po sa ating mga atleta."

"Please lang, I'm urging the concerned department dito sa rehabilitation of PhilSports Dormitory Building. Bilisan n’yo naman. Bilisan n’yo naman po," Go appealed.

Bachmann acknowledged Go's concerns and assured him that the commission was working closely with the DPWH to speed up the process.

However, Go responded with cautious optimism, reminding the PSC to closely monitor progress. "Baka groundbreaking lang ‘yan, wala pa rin nangyari," Go quipped.

Go’s firm stance on expediting the projects was rooted in his belief that athletes should have access to comfortable facilities, which would in turn motivate them to perform better.

"Para sa mga atleta natin ‘yan. Mapapakinabangan nila. Magiging comfortable sana ang ating mga atleta. Mas ganado sila," Go emphasized. "Meron silang maayos na quarters."

In addition to the dormitories, Bachmann outlined future projects under the PSC, particularly the improvement of gymnastics facilities to meet international standards. He shared the plan to tear down the existing gymnastics gym in the PhilSports Complex and build a new, world-class facility. The proposed 12-story multipurpose facility is expected to feature a first-class gymnasium, a state-of-the-art bowling center, and three levels of parking. It will also house training areas for arnis, taekwondo, and other sports disciplines.

Another major project highlighted during the presentation was the rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, which would be modernized to meet international standards. Bachmann provided an overview of the proposed upgrades, including new dressing rooms, shower facilities for athletes and coaches, and improved public restrooms.

Go further highlighted the need for accountability and timeliness, pointing out the urgency of finishing these projects for the athletes' sake.

"’Yan ang babantayan natin dito. Tayo, bilis natin mag-approve ng budget dito. Sumusuporta tayo. Pero ‘yung actual implementation, ang bagal naman," Go said, urging for quicker action.

"Sayang ‘yung panahon. Time is of the essence always,” he concluded.

As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go has been instrumental in securing support for the country's sports development. He advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.

Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes' preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

“Minsan lang tayong dadaan sa mundong ito. Kaya anumang tulong ang puwede nating ibigay sa kapwa, o anumang karangalan ang puwede nating ialay sa bansa ay gawin na natin ngayon. Bilang inyong senador, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he previously emphasized. 

As Chairperson of the Senate Youth Committee, Go continues to urge government to prioritize sports engagement among citizens, not only for elite athletes but also for aspiring youth athletes, especially at the grassroots. 

“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he said earlier. 

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