Senators have commended Jiu-Jitsu world champions Margarita "Meggie" Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio during the regular Senate Session on Monday, January 23, for their exemplary performance during the 2022 Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) World Championships held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in November last year.
Custodio brought home a gold medal after winning against Thailand’s Kacie Tan Pecharada in the women's minus 45-kilogram category final while Ochoa claimed gold after defeating Ni Ni Vicky Hoang of Canada in the women's minus 48-kilogram category.
"Napakalaking karangalan po talaga sa ating bansa ang pagkapanalo ng ating mga jiu-jitsu champions na sina Meggie Ochoa at Kimberly Ann Custodio. Kabilang sila sa mga dahilan kung bakit patuloy akong nagsusulong ng mga batas at programa para mas mapalakas pa ang ating sports sector,” said Senator Bong Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports.
Previously, Go co-authored Senate Resolution Nos. 268 and 277 which both recognized the successes of Custodio and Ochoa during the said competition. As stated in the resolutions, their wins have certainly brought honor, pride, and glory to the country.
One of the resolutions also cited that such wins can significantly inspire more professional and aspiring athletes to excel in international sporting arenas.
“Sa dami ng ating panalo sa mga nakaraang sporting competitions, hindi po talaga natin mapagkakaila ang dedikasyon at kasipagan ng ating mga atletang Pilipino. Patunay din ito na kapag may sapat na suporta mula sa pamahalaan at sa taumbayan, kayang magtagumpay ng atletang Pinoy sa anumang larangan na kanilang naisin,” he continued.
Founded in 1998, the JJIF is an international sports federation that continuously develops, improves, promotes, and propagates jiu-jitsu values on a global scale.
In line with his efforts to bolster the sports sector in the country, Go authored and co-sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11470. Signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte, the Act provides for the establishment of the National Academy of Sports at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.
The NAS also offers a secondary education program with an integrated special curriculum on sports which was developed in close coordination with the Department of Education and the Philippine Sports Commission.
The said learning facility is designed to hone the skills of aspiring young athletes. It is equipped with world-class sports facilities, housing and other amenities on par with international standards. Sufficient number of classrooms and other facilities have also been built at the complex to provide a conducive learning environment for all the students.
Meanwhile, Go reiterated the need for a more integrated and wide-ranging way to train Filipino athletes and promote grassroots sports development in the country.
For this reason, the senator continues to push for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development.
“Ipinaglaban ko rin po sa Senado ang panukalang batas na mag-institutionalize ng Philippine National Games na gaganapin po kada dalawang taon. Magsisilbi itong preparatory games para sa national and international competitions. Ibig sabihin, para po itong local Olympics po itong Philippine National Games… ang pangarap natin na maging sports powerhouse nag-umpisa riyan sa kompetisyong katulad nito,” Go explained.
As he remains steadfast in advocating for the well-being and interest of Filipino athletes, Go sponsored the 2023 budget of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusement Board where he specifically pushed for sufficient allocation for assistance to athletes, grassroots sports development, and for the preparation and participation in international competitions.
“Para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino, we are truly grateful for your sacrifice and commitment. Maraming salamat sa pagpapakita ng inyong angking galing sa larangan ng sports,” expressed Go.
On the same day, Go met with the new PSC Chair Richard Bachman. The senator reassured that he will continue working together with the commission to help further strengthen support for Filipino athletes and address their concerns.
