Bong Go provides financial support for PH para-athletes qualified for Paris Paralympics
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has facilitated a financial grant in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to support Filipino para-athletes participating in the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. The grant was personally handed over to the athletes and their coaches at the Senate on Tuesday.
The delegation of para-athletes and coaches included competitors such as Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano from athletics; Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom representing swimming; taekwondo’s Alain Ganapin; and Agustina Bantiloc from archery. They were accompanied by their coaches, Joel Deriada and Bernard Buen, along with Philippine Paralympic Committee Secretary General, Goody Custodio.
Each Filipino paralympian received financial support of P500,000, aimed at assisting them in their preparations and ensuring they are equipped to compete at their best in Paris from August 28 to September 8. This gesture underscores Go’s commitment to sports and his advocacy for inclusivity in athletic achievements.
“Supporting our para-athletes is a testament to our commitment to sports and inclusivity,” said Go.
He emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for all athletes and showcasing the nation’s talent on the world stage. This initiative aligns with the senator’s broader efforts to enhance the welfare of Filipino athletes, ensuring they receive the necessary support and recognition they deserve.
Go authored SBN 2116, a proposal that aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.” The proposed measure seeks to upgrade the incentives for para-athletes competing in international competitions. This bill also intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.
“Dapat ma-increase naman po ang kanilang incentives na matatanggap mula sa gobyerno. Ano ba naman ‘yung maliit na halaga kumpara po sa kanilang hirap at karangalan na dala-dala para sa ating bansa,” he added.
Go is a long-standing advocate for Filipino athletes. Go, in partnership with the PSC, has actively provided financial support to other Filipino athletes.
In June, during a ceremony at the PSC office in Manila, Go and PSC officials distributed checks worth P500,000 to each Olympian to aid their preparations for the Paris Olympics. This support underscores his commitment to nurturing Filipino talent on the international stage. The support is bearing fruit given the exemplary performances of our delegates in the ongoing Olympics highlighted by two gold medals won by Carlos Yulo in gymnastics so far.
In 2019, Go also played a key part in securing a sponsorship arrangement between Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Hidilyn Diaz, which was used to help fund her training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she won the country’s first gold olympic medal. In 2021, Go also supported the PSC’s proposal in advocating for additional allowances and incentives for Filipinos who participated and won in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in Japan.
Senator Go has also continuously pushed for increased budget for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. This funding aims 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.
