SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go commended the approval on the third and final reading of Senate Bill No. 2974, or the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act, which he co-authored.
“The passage of this bill is a huge step forward in empowering our youth through quality science and technology education,” said Go.
“As a co-author of this measure, I am proud to support initiatives that will cultivate the talents and potentials of Filipino students, especially in the fields of science, research, and innovation.”
The measure seeks to expand the reach and improve the governance of the PSHS System, a premier institution known for nurturing the country’s future scientists, innovators, and leaders.
The bill also allows for up to two PSHC campuses per region, except for Metro Manila, which already has a bigger campus compared to others, including the Negros Island Region, which does not yet have its own campus.
The PSHS has 16 campuses nationwide and will be strengthened through the passed bills by making sure to have an allocation of necessary resources especially in science and mathematics education.
Moreover, additional goals of the program are increasing the number of high school graduates who will enroll in undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses, conduct research and development, or pursue S&T careers. In order to guarantee a constant level of quality and effective operation, as well as to promote the overall development of students, teachers, and staff, it also seeks to unify current and future campuses under a single structure of governance and management.
Furthermore, during Go’s proclamation speech on May 17, he gave emphasis to promoting more programs for education and youth empowerment, being the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth.
“With the help of my fellow legislators, we will also continue to help our future generations, the youth whose voices we heard last elections, and who hold the promise of a brighter future for our country. Hence, we need to invest more in education, like expanding further the law promoting the Universal Access to Tertiary Education signed by former President Duterte, so that students will be able to choose more programs and avail of free education,” Go stated.
Go then emphasized that youth development must be holistic, not only focusing on academics but also on physical and moral growth. A long-time advocate of grassroots sports development, the senator once again urged students to live a balanced lifestyle.
“As an advocate of sports, we should also further advance sports development in the country, especially at the grassroots. That is why I keep encouraging fellow Filipinos, especially the youth, to get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go emphasized, being the chairperson of the Senate Sports Committee as well.
Senator Go also played a key role in creating the National Academy of Sports (NAS) by authoring and co-sponsoring Republic Act No. 11470. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS combines secondary education with a sports-focused curriculum, offering a dual path for student-athletes to excel in their sports and academic endeavors.
Additionally, as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has long championed initiatives to close the mental health gap, especially among students.
At the heart of his current legislative push is Senate Bill No. 2598, which seeks to establish Mental Health Offices in all public higher education institutions (HEIs). These offices would provide free, professional counseling services and be supported by 24/7 mental health hotlines. The measure aims to normalize help-seeking behavior and foster safer, more compassionate school environments.
“Educational institutions must not only shape the minds of our youth but also protect their mental well-being,” Go said. “We need systems in place that allow our students to ask for help, especially those who are silently struggling.”
“Through education and sports, we are giving our youth the tools to dream big and work hard for a better future. Let us continue investing in them—they are the future of our nation,” Go concluded.
