SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go extended his support to scholars of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program during his Malasakit Team’s visit to Batangas State University in Batangas City on Monday, September 23.
The Tulong Dunong Program, administered by CHED and supported by Go, provides financial assistance to qualified students, empowering them to pursue their college education.
In his message to the scholars, 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.
“You are the future leaders of this country. Continue striving for excellence in your studies, and rest assured that we will support you every step of the way,” said Go.
Go’s Malasakit Team provided snacks, shirts, pens, and vitamins to 246 scholars. There were also select recipients of basketballs and volleyballs.
As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Go underscored his commitment to advancing programs that bolster the education sector. He affirmed that through initiatives like the CHED Tulong Dunong Scholarship, more Filipino students will have access to quality education, which is crucial for the country’s development.
Last June, Go lauded the signing of the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” which waives entrance exam fees at private HEIs for eligible students.
Republic Act No. 12006, principally sponsored by the then-Senate Committee on Higher Education Chair and now Senate President Chiz Escudero, provides opportunities for economically disadvantaged yet high-achieving students.
As one of the authors and co-sponsor of the law, Go has championed removing financial barriers in education. The law benefits the top 10% of high school graduates from families below the poverty line, as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
In line with his commitment to education, Go has co-authored and co-sponsored bills, showcasing his dedication to improving the country’s education system, including Senate Bill Nos. 1360 and 1864.
SBN 1360 seeks to expand the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by amending Republic Act No. 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which was enacted during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte. This proposed measure aims to support students who struggle to pay their tuition and other school fees, including those not currently covered by subsidies under the existing law.
Meanwhile, SBN 1864, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, aims to offer relief to students who have taken out loans but cannot repay them due to disasters and other emergencies.
Meanwhile, 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; as well as RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
The CHED Tulong Dunong Scholarship aims to assist eligible Filipino students in achieving their academic dreams, in line with the government’s mission to provide inclusive and quality education.
Through the continued support of leaders like Go, these scholars are given a chance to contribute to the nation’s future.
Go, also known as Mr. Malasakit, reiterated his dedication to public service.
“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,” concluded Go.
