NEWS
Go, PSC provide financial support for Alas PH
5:30 p.m. September 10, 2024
SENATE Committee on Sports Chairman Senator Christopher “Bong” Go honored the Philippines men’s and women’s National Volleyball Teams, known as Alas Pilipinas, on Monday through co-sponsored resolutions for their remarkable achievements in recent international competitions.
The resolutions, primarily authored and sponsored by Senators Pia and Alan Peter Cayetano, celebrated the teams’ accomplishments, which have brought pride and inspiration to the nation.
As part of his ongoing support for Filipino athletes, Go, through his partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, had previously extended financial support of P200,000 to each player and coach of the women’s team following their bronze medal win at the Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Their podium finish, the first in this tournament, was further complemented by another bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Southeast Asian Volleyball League. These milestones garnered well-deserved recognition in the Senate.
“Ibang klaseng galak at tuwa ang aking naramdaman nang sila ay manalo,” Go said, expressing the joy he felt as a sports enthusiast, a senator, and an athlete himself.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team achieved back-to-back bronze medals in the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League. Go praised the team for their unwavering perseverance, noting the significance of their achievements on the international stage.
“Tunay niyo pong ipinakita ang angking galing ng mga Pilipino sa international stage. You may not have walked away with a gold medal, but you have achieved something extraordinary. And in doing so, you have inspired millions of Filipinos,” he said.
Go also partnered with the PSC to provide financial support to each player and coach of the Alas Men’s Volleyball team amounting to P100,000 each.
“Sa katunayan ay nagpaabot din po tayo ng tulong pinansyal through the Philippine Sports Commission para sa ating Alas Men’s Volleyball team,” he added.
Go emphasized the unity and pride that such achievements bring to the nation. “The accomplishments of our fellow citizens have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration, bringing every Filipino together as a united nation,” he said.
He also acknowledged the vital role of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the coaching staff, trainers, and support personnel, stating that their efforts were crucial to the athletes’ success.
Beyond the accolades, Go underscored the importance of continued government support for Filipino athletes.
“Nandito lang po ang inyong gobyerno para ipakita ang buong suporta para sainyo. Handa po ang gobyerno na maghatid ng tulong at magbigay ng kahit anong suportang kakailanganin ng bawat Pilipinong nagsusumikap na maging mahusay sa kanilang larangan ng sports,” he remarked, reaffirming his commitment to advancing Philippine sports.
Go played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in their sports and academic endeavors.
In addition to his efforts with NAS, Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. This bill, which successfully passed the Senate on its third and final reading on May 20, seeks to institutionalize a structured national sports program that not only promotes grassroots sports but also aligns with the national sports development strategy.
As the Philippines prepares to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year, Go emphasized the significance of these achievements in setting the stage for the country’s growing volleyball scene.
With 32 of the world’s top teams set to compete, the upcoming tournament is poised to bring global attention to Philippine volleyball.
“Together, let us restore the honor of Philippine sports and further cement our status as a ‘Sports Powerhouse in Asia,’” Go concluded, reinforcing his commitment to elevating the country’s standing in the international sports arena.
The Senate unanimously adopted the resolutions, congratulating the Alas Pilipinas Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams, as the nation continues to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to more victories in the future.
As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go has been instrumental in securing support for the country’s sports development. He advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City, believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.
Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
NEWS
Rep. Atayde draws Iglesia Ni Cristo endorsement
2:33 p.m. May 9, 2025
Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde has received the endorsement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for a second consecutive term, joining the ranks of several local candidates who have secured the influential church’s support ahead of the 2025 elections.
Atayde also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“Lubos po ang aking pasasalamat muli sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob ng mga Kapatid sa Iglesia Ni Cristo, lalo na kay Ka Eduardo V. Manalo,” said Atayde.
“Ang inyong suporta ay inspirasyon namin upang ipagpatuloy ang tapat at maagap na serbisyo para sa bayan. Sama-sama tayong kikilos, aksyon agad!”
Atayde, who won his first term in 2022, is seeking a second term on the back of both his legislative record and the successful implementation of district-level programs that have focused on employment, health care, education, and food security.
The legislator reiterated his commitment to “sustain his ongoing projects, fulfill his legislative duties, and continue delivering honest public service” in Quezon City’s first district.
Among his major legislative accomplishments are authorship or co-authorship of key national laws such as the Eddie Garcia Law, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Internet Transactions Act, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, the SIM Registration Act, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, and the New Government Procurement Act.
In his first term, Atayde also spearheaded local initiatives that provided direct aid to thousands of residents. These included emergency employment for 11,498 workers under TUPAD, job opportunities abroad for 1,500 applicants through the Taiwan Job Fair, livelihood training for 1,100 residents via TESDA, and capital support for 245 small entrepreneurs through the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The lawmaker also launched and maintained key welfare programs: free dialysis treatment for 60 patients daily at the district’s new facility, medical assistance for 75,466 individuals, CHED aid for 4,598 students, scholarship support for 1,410 others under Tulong Dunong and SMART, rice aid for 132,567 families, over 65,000 meals served through Kusina on Wheels, and seasonal gift-giving that reached 64,000 families.
In times of crisis, Atayde’s office also responded to the needs of 7,789 families affected by fire, extended burial assistance to 3,501 families, and provided financial help to 40,684 individuals for various needs.
Atayde is running under Team Aksyon Agad alongside Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and six councilors in the district—all of whom also received the coveted INC endorsement.
NEWS
Converge continues to draw young talents, seeks out electronics engineers
11:20 p.m. May 7, 2025
Coming off a student-led hackathon in Ateneo de Manila University wherein it shared its expertise as a tech company to young software developers, Converge once again collaborated with bright young minds as it engaged with the University of the Philippines student chapter of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP).
Invited by the student body of the UP-IECEP, Converge was among the leading sponsors of the ‘Get Licensed: Geared Up for the Future’ event held at the UP School of Statistics. ‘Get Licensed’ is a preparatory event / seminar for Electronics Engineering students from across the metro, including Technological University of the Philippines, De La Salle University-Manila, Mapua University, and other top engineering schools. It is aimed at preparing ECE students for their licensure exam.
“Filipinos have the right talent, and they’re capable of innovating world-class solutions. At Converge, we see the potential of every Filipino – including yours, the youth – and it is our prime directive to give them the digital launchpad, and become the catalyst for intellectual property creation,” said Converge Chief Network Transformation Officer, Paulo Martin ‘Santi’ Santos, himself a graduate of Materials Engineering at the University of the Philippines.
Apart from the opportunities available at Converge, students were given a glimpse of how Converge grew exponentially especially during the pandemic. While many industries and sectors were rendered inefficient by the global health crisis, fixed broadband, particularly in driving digital transformation, grew by leaps and bounds. It proved to be an ‘industry of the future’, and is poised to see further expansion in the years to come.
Converge set up a booth in the lobby of the UP School of Statistics, giving away company merchandise and briefing the students of openings in the company. This is part of the company’s ongoing campaign to recruit from among the best schools in the country to beef up its workforce.
NEWS
Infinix Campus Cup 2025 to unleash next generation of esports legends across southeast Asia
12: 44 p.m. May 3, 2025
Infinix, in collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), proudly kicks off the Infinix Campus Cup (XCC) 2025—a bigger, bolder evolution of the former Infinix University League (XUL), built to level up the student gaming experience across Southeast Asia.
Running from May to July 2025, XCC 2025 will set the stage for passionate student gamers across Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines to rise to esports stardom. Fueled by the high-performance Infinix GT series, this tournament is dedicated to empowering the next generation of players. Gather your squad, register, and take your shot at becoming the next campus esports legends.
“XCC was born from our belief that the future of esports starts on campus,” said Tony Zhao, Infinix General Manager.“From the beginning, it has been about empowering the next generation of esports legends and bridging the gap between young gamers and the professional scene. As we expand across Southeast Asia, we at Infinix remain committed to growing this platform, inspiring the youth to step into the spotlight, chase their dreams, and build their future in gaming.”
After igniting the Philippine gaming scene in its previous editions, XCC 2025 expands its reach across Southeast Asia, charging into new territories, with the Philippines as this year’s host nation. The goal is to bring together the region’s most passionate student gamers and turn their dreams of esports stardom into reality.
At the heart of the competition lies Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)—the region’s most beloved mobile MOBA title—providing the perfect arena for student teams to showcase their skills, strategy, and teamwork. More than just a tournament, XCC 2025 serves as a launchpad for aspiring esports professionals, designed to spotlight rising stars and elevate the campus esports scene across Southeast Asia. Participants will compete using the upcoming high-performance Infinix GT Series, a cutting-edge gaming device that reflects the brand’s commitment to empowering gamers with tools built for victory.
XCC 2025 sets the tone for a season filled with intense rivalries, unforgettable plays, and life-changing opportunities—this is #WhereLegendsRise. Infinix envisions the tournament as more than just a competition—it’s a movement to empower youth, fuel their passion for gaming, and unlock future career paths in esports.
Three Stages, One Path to Glory
Local Open Qualifiers & Group Stage (May–June 2025)
Student teams from across the five participating countries will enter the tournament through open qualifiers, battling their way through national-level group stages in pursuit of a coveted spot in the finals.
National Finals (May–June 2025)
Top contenders from each country will clash in their respective National Finals, where pride, passion, and the title of National Champion are on the line.
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Rep. Atayde draws Iglesia Ni Cristo endorsement
Captured with Magic? Photos shot by renowned photographers using HONOR Magic7 Pro
