EMPOWERING THE FUTURE GENERATION: BONG GO SUPPORTS INDIGENT STUDENTS IN PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

Senator Christopher “Bong’ Go extended his support to the student-beneficiaries of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) program at the Pavilion Provincial Government Center in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, on Thursday, June 13.

This initiative in collaboration with the local and national government aims to bridge the financial gap for qualified students pursuing higher education, empowering them to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.

Through the invitation of Gov. Victor Yu and Cong. Divine Yu, Senator Go’s Malasakit Team distributed shirts, volleyballs, and basketballs to 300 indigent students, while some of them received a bicycle, shoes, and a watch.

In a video message, Senator Go commended the students for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of education for their future success.

He encouraged them to study diligently and reminded them of valuable advice from former President Rodrigo Duterte: “Always do what is right at unahin ang kapakanan ng inyong kapwa. Hinding-hindi kayo dyan magkakamali.”

“Ako’y isang simpleng tao lang po na nagmula sa Davao City sa Mindanao na binigyan niyo ng pagkakataon na maging senador ng bayan na ito. Isa lang po ang mapapayo ko sa inyo, sa mga graduates, malay niyo maging isa rin kayong senador ng bayan at isa lang po ang sikreto diyan, mahalin po natin ang ating kapwa Pilipino,” Go added.

Senator Go also reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for more measures and programs that benefit the education sector and Filipino students.

The senator co-authored Republic Act No. 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education access for underserved and disadvantaged students. This law provides crucial support to typically underrepresented groups, including indigenous students, those from less privileged backgrounds, and students with physical and learning disabilities.

He also highlighted that during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, RA 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted. This significant law has greatly aided impoverished students by providing free education in local colleges, universities, and state-run technical vocational institutions. Building upon the successes of RA 10931, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1360, which seeks to expand the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) coverage if enacted into law.

Furthermore, Go also praised President Marcos Jr. for signing into law RA 11984, known as the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act.” Go co-authored and co-sponsored this measure in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Go proposed Senate Bill No. 1864, the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies bill. He also proposed Senate Bill No. 1786, which mandates public higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish mental health offices on their campuses. Additionally, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2200, the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

He expressed gratitude to the CHED officials involved in making the distribution of financial assistance possible, recognizing their crucial role in supporting the students.

“Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” added Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service for the poor.