BONG GO PROVIDES CONTINUED SUPPORT TO LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE SCHOLARS TO ENSURE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his full support for the youth and their education in a message during the gathering of college students from Northern Christian College in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Thursday, January 9.

“Edukasyon ang susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan at ang kabataan natin ang pag-asa ng bayan at future leaders ng ating bansa,” Go reminded.

Senator Go, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), extended scholarships to students from Northern Christian College through its Tulong Dunong Program (TDP).

The CHED-TDP aims to assist eligible Filipino students in achieving their academic dreams, in line with the government’s mission to provide inclusive and quality education.

In his message to the scholars, Senator Go, emphasized the importance of education, encouraging the students to study hard as they represent the future of the nation. He acknowledged the scholars’ dedication.

“Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s progress. I stand firmly behind the growth and progress of our youth, as they are instrumental in shaping our future leaders,” said Go.

“Nanawagan ako ng pagkakaisa at pakikipagtulungan natin kasama na ang iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno, at mga kapwa ko mambabatas na patuloy nating isulong ang mga inisyatiba para sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan,” he added.

During the initiative, a total of 387 scholars also received snacks and other forms of support from Go’s Malasakit Team.

As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, he has pledged to support policies that not only strengthen the education sector but also prioritize the health and well-being of students.

The recent enactment of Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act reflects Senator Go’s commitment to protecting Filipinos’ dignity during crises. The law, which he co-sponsored and co-authored, provides temporary financial relief for students with outstanding loans during 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.

He also hailed the signing of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to address the alarming mental health crisis among Filipino students. Go, who co-authored and co-sponsored the legislation, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing mental health programs in schools to help alleviate the growing mental health challenges among students.

In parallel efforts, Go also authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2598, or the proposed State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Services Act to strengthen mental health services in SUCs across the country. If enacted into law, the measure aims to establish Mental Health Offices in every SUC campus to provide comprehensive support and intervention for students, faculty, and staff.

In addition, the Senator has co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 1360 which seeks to expand the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by amending RA 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which was enacted during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, if enacted into law.

As Chairperson of the Senate Sports Committee, Go continues to urge government to prioritize sports engagement, not only for elite athletes but also for aspiring youth athletes, especially at the grassroots.

“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he said earlier.

The senator played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring RA 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.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon,” concluded Go.