Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged young Filipinos to spend more time participating in sports and meaningful activities instead of being excessively focused on social media and gadgets.
Speaking during a Senate hearing on Aug. 20, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, said sports can provide young people with a constructive activity while helping them develop discipline, teamwork, perseverance and resilience.
Go cited the suggestion of Mindanaoan Olympic boxer Eumir Marcial, a native of Zamboanga City, to encourage greater youth participation in sports.
He also raised concerns about low levels of physical activity among adolescents. The World Health Organization has reported that more than 80% of school-going adolescents worldwide do not meet recommended levels of physical activity. Children and adolescents are generally encouraged to engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Go said encouraging young people to become more active does not mean banning technology or social media. Instead, he said technology should be used responsibly and appropriately for their age.
He called on families, schools, communities and the government to provide young Filipinos with more opportunities to participate in sports and other productive activities.
Go said sports can help keep young people away from violence, drugs and other harmful influences.
He has continued to promote grassroots sports development and greater access to athletic opportunities for children and young athletes across the country.
Go also emphasized that sports should not only be viewed as a path for competitive athletes but as a way to support the physical and overall well-being of young Filipinos.
