Go cites journey, success of Philippines athletes in Paris

MANILA, Philippines — While hailing Carloy Yulo’s extraordinary achievement, Sen. Bong Go has filed Senate resolutions celebrating the outstanding achievements of boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.

Both boxers brought home bronze medals, uplifting the nation’s spirits and showcasing the Philippines’ prowess in the international sporting arena.

Senate Resolution No. 1124 praises Aira Villegas for her exceptional performance in the women’s 50kg boxing category, marking her Olympic debut with a bronze medal.

Go emphasized the significance of her victory, stating, “Aira Villegas has not only demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity but has also become a symbol of the Filipino spirit.

“Her success is a testament to how our athletes can excel on the world stage, reflecting the ideals of self-discipline and excellence encouraged by our Constitution,” the senator added.

Meanwhile, in SRN 1125, Go commends Petecio for her remarkable journey in the women’s 57kg boxing category. The resolution highlights Petecio’s ongoing contributions to Philippine sports, having previously made history as the first Filipina boxer to win an Olympic medal and only among the very few to win medals in different Olympics.

“Nesthy Petecio’s journey and success at the Paris Olympics represent the resilience and competitive spirit of the Filipino athlete. She continues to inspire and bring honor to our country, proving that with determination, anything is possible,” Go remarked.

Like Yulo, Petecio also joins the prestigious list of Filipinos who have won two medals in any Olympic Games. Previously, Go also filed SRN 1100 and 1113, congratulating Yulo for his outstanding performance in the Olympics.

Go is a long-standing advocate for Filipino athletes. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Go has actively provided financial backing to the nation’s athletes. In June, during a ceremony at the PSC office in Manila, Go and PSC officials distributed checks worth PhP500,000 to each Olympian to aid their preparations for the Paris Olympics.

This support underscores his commitment to nurturing Filipino talent on the international stage. Furthermore, following their bronze medal win at the Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup, the Alas Pilipinas Women’s Volleyball Team received financial support of P200,000 from Go and the PSC, highlighting their ongoing commitment to supporting athletic excellence across various sports.

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

“Let us continue to support our competing athletes while also exerting efforts to expand grassroots sports programs to provide opportunities for our youth to excel in their chosen fields not only in sports but in life! As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he urged.