IN line with his commitment to youth development and quality education, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, extended support to scholars from Rizal on Wednesday, January 15. These scholars hail from the ICCT Colleges Foundation Inc. – Antipolo City and Cainta branches.
The initiative was made possible through the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP), which provides financial support to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals and contribute to national progress.
In his message to the scholars, Senator Go highlighted the importance of education as a vital tool for personal and national development.
“Education is the key that opens the door to a brighter future. I remain steadfast in supporting our youth because they hold the promise of our nation’s prosperity,” said Go.
“Let us work together—government agencies, lawmakers, and the private sector—to ensure that every Filipino youth has access to the education they deserve,” he added.
Aside from advocating for the scholarships, Go’s Malasakit Team provided 71 scholars with care packages, including pens, snacks, shirts, vitamins, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs, further emphasizing the senator’s advocacy to promote holistic well-being.
The recent enactment of Republic Act No. 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.
Earlier he 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; RA 12006 or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” waiving entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
He also hailed the signing of RA 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, the Senator has also been pushing for his filed SBN 1360 which seeks to expand the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by amending RA 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which was enacted during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go concluded, reaffirming his dedication to the Filipino people.
Through initiatives like these, Senator Go continues to empower the youth of Rizal and the nation, ensuring a future built on education, well-being, and opportunity.
