BONG GO’S SUPPORT FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EMPOWERS A SCHOLAR IN LA UNION

“Edukasyon ang susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan at ang kabataan ang future leaders at pag-asa ng ating bayan!” For thousands of Filipino students, the path to higher education often comes riddled with financial hurdles.

But for one young scholar in La Union, the journey to his dream of earning a degree in engineering is now less daunting, thanks to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which the senator continues to support.

One of the beneficiaries of the program, Francis Ian Corpuz, a 19-year-old engineering student from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in San Fernando City, La Union, expressed his gratitude towards the senator.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be an engineer. I’m very thankful po na may scholarship grant si Sir Bong Go tsaka sa CHED po. Makakatulong po ito nang malaki sa aking future, at sa situation ko po ngayon,” he expressed, emphasizing the importance the scholarship in reaching his dreams.

This scholarship program enables financially challenged students to cover essential academic and personal expenses, ensuring they stay focused on their studies. From transportation and meals to educational supplies, the assistance extends beyond tuition, addressing the real-world needs of scholars.

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Go has consistently championed legislation and programs that strengthen access to education for all Filipinos. The recent enactment of RA 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act reflects 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.

His efforts also include co-authoring and co-sponsoring several significant laws, such as Republic Act No. 11510, or Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged student; RA 11984, or The “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which ensures students are not barred from taking exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or The “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” waiving entrance exam fees for qualified top students in private higher educational institutions; and RA 11997, or The “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.

Senator Go also co-authored Senate Bill No. 1360, which seeks to expand the tertiary education subsidy under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, enacted during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. These legislative measures reflect his proactive approach to ensuring that students—regardless of socioeconomic background—can access quality education.

The CHED-TDP aligns with the national goal of inclusive education, providing opportunities for students to rise above financial barriers. By empowering scholars, the program cultivates a new generation of professionals who are not only academically equipped but also instilled with a sense of gratitude and social responsibility. Beneficiaries are encouraged to give back to their communities, ensuring a continuous cycle of support.

Francis Ian added, “Para po kay Kuya Bong Go, thank you po kasi binigyan niyo po kami ng chance sa scholarship na ito. Para rin po ma-maximize namin yung scholarship na ito, mag-aaral po kami ng mabuti para rin po masulit po namin.”

Go’s active involvement in education-focused initiatives underscores his belief in the transformative power of learning. By supporting and advocating for programs like the CHED-TDP, he highlights the essential role of accessible education in national development.

Beyond legislation, Senator Go regularly engages with scholars to remind them of their responsibility to maximize the opportunities provided to them.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go