SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has called on the government to continue its support to Filipino amateur and professional athletes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Mindanaoan lawmaker asked the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Games and Amusement Board to continue looking after the well-being of these athletes.
“Nananawagan po ako sa pamahalaan na patuloy na suportahan ang ating mga atleta sa panahon na ito. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa PSC at GAB sa kanilang mga initiatives para sa ating mga atleta [I’m appealing to our government for continuous support to our athletes during this time. I would like to thank the PSC and GAB for their initiatives for our athletes,” Go said.
“Mahalaga na alagaan natin hindi lang ang kanilang pisikal na kalusugan, kundi pati na rin ang kanilang mental well-being [It’s important to take care not only their physical health but, also their well-being,” Go added.
Go, who is the Senate committee on sports chair, also urged the PSC to formulate new policies on how the sports industry can move forward amid the new realities of the pandemic including the possible integration of technology in sports development such as the conduct of online training and coaching.
“Ang ating mga atleta ay nagdadala ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng kanilang husay at talento. Ngayon, ipakita natin ang taos pusong suporta sa kanila, hindi lang sa mga laro, kundi sa oras ng pangangailangan [Our athletes have brought honor to our country with their skills and talents. Now, we have to show them our warm-hearted support not only during competition but, in time of needs],” Go added.
Go also urged business owners in the sports industry to support their employees during this pandemic, emphasizing that the sports industry is one of the sectors worst affected by quarantine measures because of business closures and sporting events cancellations.
He further encouraged this industry to avail of the current assistance and benefits offered by the government, if qualified, highlighting programs such as the Department of Finance’s Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS).