“TEACHERS ARE HEROES OF OUR NATION” — BONG GO CHAMPIONS SUPPORT FOR EDUCATORS AND HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AT THE PARE 3RD NATIONAL CONVENTION

In a heartfelt speech that drew applause from over 500 retired educators, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go addressed the Philippine Alliance of Retired Educators (PARE) 3rd National Convention on Wednesday, October 9, with sincere gratitude and recognition of the nation’s teachers. The event was held in line with World Teachers’ Month, further emphasizing the importance of celebrating the contributions of educators.

“Saludo kami sa inyong lahat! Kayo ang tunay na bayani ng ating bayan—ang gumagabay sa ating mga kabataan tungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Go remarked as he paid tribute to the dedication and hard work of teachers, adding, “Hindi matatawaran ang inyong papel sa paghubog ng mga kabataan.”

Held at the GSIS Gymnasium in Pasay City in partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the convention celebrated resilience, productivity, and service, aligning perfectly with the theme “PARE-GSIS: Celebrating Resilience, Productivity, and Service.”

In his speech, Go also reminded the audience of significant legislative accomplishments to champion access to education including the passage of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

Go explained how this law has expanded access to higher education and alleviated financial burdens on families. “Noong administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, naisabatas ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education. Ito ‘yung free tuition sa mga state colleges and universities,” Go stated.

Building on this success, Go filed Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to expand the reach of the tertiary education subsidy. The bill seeks to provide more options for students to pursue courses in colleges and institutions that best suit their needs.

“Dapat patuloy na palakasin ang access sa de-kalidad na edukasyon. Mas lalo ko pang tututukan ang pagpapalawak ng saklaw ng Tertiary Education Subsidy para mas marami pa ang makinabang,” he said.

“Kung maisasabatas, mabibigyan ng mas maraming choices ang mga mag-aaral para i-pursue ang gusto nilang kurso sa pinaka-angkop na kolehiyo o institution,” Go added.

Alongside his work on expanding access to higher education, Go expressed concern over the mental health challenges faced by both students and educators especially in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Pahalagahan natin ang mental health lalo na sa mga kabataan kung kaya’t ipinapanukala natin ang SBN 2598 na naglalayong atasan ang public higher education institutions na magtatag ng mental health offices sa kanilang mga campus. Co-author at co-sponsor din tayo ng SBN 2200, o ang Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Bill,” he cited.

Go also highlighted his role as the co-author and co-sponsor of RA 11984, also known as the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act. The law aims to protect students from educational policies that prevent them from taking exams due to unpaid tuition or other financial obligations.

Recognizing the economic challenges brought about by disasters and emergencies, Go also discussed SBN 1864, a bill he co-authored that seeks to provide relief to students who have taken out loans but are unable to pay them back due to disasters or emergencies.

He also highlighted his efforts to support teachers, discussing his role as co-author of RA 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Law. In addition to providing financial assistance for teaching supplies, Go also pushed for salary increases for government employees, including educators.

He mentioned his push as an author and co-sponsor in RA 11466, or the Salary Standardization Law 5, which raised salaries for civilian government employees. Go is now advocating for another round of increases through the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6.

Meanwhile, during the event, some of the retired teachers shared their personal stories of how they were helped by Go’s Malasakit Center initiative.

Maria Grollo from Legazpi City recounted how her family struggled to pay an overwhelming hospital bill when her brother was confined at Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Unable to find other sources of financial assistance, her relatives suggested seeking help from the Malasakit Center.

Grollo was overwhelmed with the assistance they received, and their hospital expenses were fully covered. “Walang atubili, nabigyan ng pagkakataon na mabayaran lahat,” she added, expressing her deep thanks to Go and the Malasakit team for their timely help.

Another testimonial came from Maria Victoria Barcenas, a retired teacher from Taytay, Rizal. She shared how the Malasakit Center at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City played a crucial role in her heart procedure.

“Lumapit po ako sa Malasakit Center, na sabi nga eh, makakatulong ng malaki sa aking sitwasyon na kailangan sa aking procedure na gagawin. At natanggap ko naman ang mga naibigay sa akin ng Malasakit, na napakalaking tulong,” she said.

“Noon, hindi ako naniniwala sa Malasakit dahil hindi ko pa rin ginagamit at hindi ko kailangan o hindi ko pa alam na totoo. Pero ngayon, alam kong ito na, totoo pala talaga… lalo na nang tinulungan din ako ni Senator Bong Go na nagbigay ng aking guarantee letter na nakatulong sa akin,” she added.

Go then personally thanked the retired educators present at the convention, acknowledging their lifetime of service in shaping countless Filipino students.

“Sa ating mga retired educators, maraming salamat po sa inyong ipinakitang dedikasyon, sipag, at pagsasakripisyo sa pagtuturo. Hindi na mabilang ang mga estudyanteng dumaan sa inyo at sigurado akong sila’y nagpapasalamat din sa inyong ipinamalas na gabay at pag-alalay,” Go said.

In his address, Go acknowledged several key officials, including Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara. He also thanked GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso, along with the GSIS Board of Trustees including Dr. Beatriz Turno, among others.

Go also recognized the leaders from PARE, including National President Dr. Nieves Nerisa David, Secretary General Dr. Teresita Arriola, and Vice President General Dr. Teresita Domalanta, PARE Adviser Atty. Tonisito Umali and Founding Chairman Dr. Abigail S. Ignacio, among others.

“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go said.

“Ako po si Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo,” concluded Go.

As a gesture of gratitude and solidarity, Go and his Malasakit team distributed various tokens to the convention attendees. He also gave mobile phones, shoes, and other forms of assistance to select recipients.