Senate chief of the Committee on Sports and Health and Demography Bong Go thanked President Bongbong Marcos for giving due recognition to the country’s athletes and frontliners during the presidential inauguration on 30 June.,A total of 25 athletes and coaches in wushu, sepak takraw, jiu-jitsu, judo, kurash, shooting, rowing and gymnastics joined a parade during the inauguration on the grounds of the National Museum in Manila.,Healthcare workers and other frontliners were also present.,“I am delighted seeing our athletes marching at the military-civic parade during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,” Go said.,“Let this also serve as a reminder of the continuing sacrifices of our modern-day heroes: our healthcare workers and our many frontliners who put their lives on the line so we can be protected from the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Go.,He has been consistently pushing for measures and programs for the country’s long-term and grassroots sports development.,The senator expressed hope the inclusion of athletes during the parade signifies the Marcos administration’s similar commitment to the previous administration’s drive on promoting sports in the country.,“As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am one with President Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” said Go.,“These will both help our country become again as one of the sports powerhouses in Asia and to also encourage our young people to stay away from illegal drugs and criminality by going into sports,” Go added.,The senator had authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470 establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) System and Main Campus at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.,The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.,The academy is equipped with world-class sports facilities, housing, and other amenities on par with international standards. Classrooms and other facilities have also been built at the complex to provide a conducive learning environment for all the students.,It officially started its first academic year on 13 September 2021.,On 14 June, Go accompanied Duterte in an inspection of the academy. The senator earlier said the facility is a gift to the Filipino youth from the Duterte administration.,“It is an honor to help provide these opportunities for students who wish to achieve more in their lives and help make a difference through proper education and sports development. During my first month as a senator, I dreamed of establishing an educational institution that would specialize in sports development,” said Go.,The senator also joined former President Duterte during the groundbreaking of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) on 17 June in Bagac, Bataan.,Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, had pushed for the funding of the site development and preparation of the Master Development Plan of the sports center. It is targeted for completion by 2024.,Signed by Duterte in February 2019, RA 11214, or the Philippine Sports Training Center Act, provided for the creation of the PSTC.,The PSTC aims to promote sports in the country, achieve excellence in international sports, and foster international goodwill among nations. It will support athletes in swimming, basketball, and volleyball, among others.