Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering the youth through accessible and quality education by extending his support to scholars of the University of the Cordilleras, Cordillera Career Development College, University of Baguio, King’s College of the Philippines, and Benguet State University – La Trinidad and Buguias campuses on Monday, January 27.
Senator Go, who has consistently championed youth empowerment and education initiatives across the country, emphasized the importance of investing in the youth to secure a brighter future for the nation.
“Ang edukasyon ay susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan. Bilang inyong lingkod, sisikapin natin na bawat kabataang Pilipino ay may pagkakataong makamit ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay,” he said.
The 46 scholars are set to benefit from the Tulong Dunong Program, a financial grant m administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to help students pursue higher education without financial burdens. Go reiterated his unwavering support for educational programs that uplift underprivileged students and promote equal opportunities.
“Huwag kayong titigil sa pag-aaral, magpursige kayo dahil kayo ang pag-asa ng ating bayan. Rest assured na nandito kami para sa inyo at tutulong kami sa abot ng aming makakaya,” the senator encouraged.
During the event, Senator Go’s Malasakit Team distributed essential items such as snacks, vitamins, shirts, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs to the scholars, promoting physical and mental well-being among students.
Senator Go has been instrumental in passing several landmark laws to improve the education sector.
The passage of Republic Act No. 12077, also known as the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, underscores Senator Go’s dedication to upholding the dignity of Filipinos in times of crisis. As a co-sponsor and co-author of the law, he has helped ensure that students with existing loans receive temporary financial relief during emergencies and calamities.
Senator Go earlier co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students; RA 11984, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act”, which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006 or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act”, waiving entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
Go also highlighted the significance of mental health in education by co-authoring and co-sponsoring RA 12080, the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. This law seeks to establish mental health programs in schools to address the growing mental health concerns among students.
In parallel efforts, Go also authored Senate Bill No. 2598, which proposes the establishment of Mental Health Offices in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to provide comprehensive support for students, faculty, and staff.
In line with his advocacy to promote health and fitness, Senator Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, encouraged the scholars to engage in sports and avoid illegal drugs, emphasizing his slogan, “Get into sports, stay away from drugs, and keep healthy and fit.”
Through his efforts, Go played a key role in establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) through RA 11470, which offers a specialized sports-integrated academic program to nurture young athletes while ensuring they receive quality education.
As he continues his service to the Filipino people, Senator Go reiterated his mantra, “Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.”
