HOW SENATOR BONG GO’S EFFORTS HELPED A SCHOLAR FROM BILIRAN ACHIEVE HER DREAM OF STUDYING ECONOMICS

For thousands of Filipino students, the path to higher education often comes riddled with financial hurdles. But for one young scholar in Biliran, the journey to her dream of earning a degree in economics is now less daunting, thanks to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and the Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) which the senator continues to support.

A second-year Bachelor of Arts in Economics student at Biliran Province State University (BIPSU), Dianalyn Candelaria, shares her story—a vivid example of how education can transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Diana had initially planned to pursue nursing. However, her grandfather disapproved due to concerns about her health. The financial strain of managing her health compounded her family’s struggles. Raised solely by her grandmother after her parents separated, Diana’s education relied entirely on the modest earnings her grandmother made selling vegetables.

The Tulong Dunong Program, a scholarship initiative supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has provided the crucial financial aid Diana needed to stay in school. Supported by Senator Go, the program aligns with the government’s broader aim of ensuring inclusive and quality education for all Filipinos.

“Malaking tulong po talaga itong programang ito at si Senator Kuya Bong Go dahil siyempre, babawasan na ‘yung gastusin ng lola ko kasi senior na siya, tapos ang hanapbuhay niya lang ay pagbebenta ng gulay,” Diana says. “Sana po, bigyan pa kayo ni Lord ng mahabang buhay para marami pa kayong matulungan na mga estudyante.”

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Go has tirelessly supported education-related initiatives.

He has co-authored and co-sponsored critical pieces of legislation, such as Republic Act (RA) No. 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System to reach underserved students, and RA 12006, or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” which waives entrance fees for top-performing students. Senator Go was also instrumental in crafting RA 11997, the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases teaching supply allowances for public school teachers, and RA 11984, the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which ensures students are not barred from exams due to unpaid school fees.

The recent enactment of RA 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, also 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.

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.

Furthermore, Go has co-authored and co-sponsored several bills to enhance access to education, including Senate Bill No. 1360, which proposes to expand the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by amending RA 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, enacted during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Beyond laws, Go’s active promotion of scholarships highlights his efforts to uplift students facing financial difficulties. He encourages scholars to seize opportunities, perform well academically, and give back to their communities.

Diana’s story exemplifies the impact of these policies. With tuition support, she can focus on her studies and aim for a brighter future without the constant worry of overwhelming financial stress.

For Senator Go, the success of students like Diana validates the importance of education. Through scholarship programs and legislative measures, Go and other government leaders continue to enable students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education.

“Suportahan natin ang kabataan dahil sila ang future leaders at pag-asa ng bayan at ang edukasyon ang susi sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” he said.

“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.