AS the nation prepares to close the year, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted the enduring legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal during Rizal Day celebrations on Monday, December 30, urging Filipinos to reflect on the values and teachings of the national hero.
The senator emphasized the importance of education, sports and youth development, and accessible healthcare as key pillars for the country’s progress.
“Before we end the year, let us also give honor to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. As we commemorate Rizal Day, it is important to reflect on the lessons he taught us as we also do our form of service and sacrifice for the next generation,” Senator Go stated.
Echoing Rizal’s famous words, he reiterated, “As Dr. Jose Rizal said, ‘Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng ating bayan.’’
In his capacity as Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Youth and on Sports, Senator Go encouraged young Filipinos to follow Rizal’s example in valuing education, which he described as a critical investment for the future.
“I encourage Filipinos to value their education the same way Rizal did—knowing that the youth will be the future leaders of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Go highlighted significant legislative achievements aimed at making education more accessible and equitable. The recent enactment of Republic Act No. 12077, or the “Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act,” which he co-sponsored and co-authored, offers a crucial safety net for students during crises, ensuring that education remains within reach even in the most challenging times.
He proudly mentioned Republic Act No. 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which has significantly expanded access to higher education nationwide. Building on this success, Senator Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, aiming to broaden the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) if enacted into law.
“I firmly believe that access to quality education is a fundamental driver of change. It breaks down barriers and levels the playing field, which is why I am committed to helping ensure our educational system is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all,” Senator Go underscored.
Additionally, Senator Go co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students; Republic Act No. 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; Republic Act No. 12006, or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act,” waiving entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as Republic Act No. 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
He also advocated for youth participation in sports as a means of promoting health and discipline while steering them away from vices. “At the same time, we continue to urge the youth to get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit.”
His contributions to youth and sports include continued support for national athletes and grassroots sports development as Senator Go 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.
In addition to his efforts with NAS, Senator Go is also pushing for the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG). It seeks to strengthen a structured national sports program that not only promotes grassroots sports but also provides opportunities for aspiring athletes to compete at the national level.
Recognizing Rizal’s contributions as a physician who served communities, Senator Go drew inspiration for his own health reforms crusade. As Chairperson of the Senate Health Committee, he reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the accessibility of medical services at the grassroots level.
“I also recognize the vast contributions of Rizal, himself a physician, in bringing medical services at the community level. This inspires me, as the head of the Senate Health Committee, to work harder in bringing medical and healthcare services of the government closer to our people.”
“I continue to fight for better services for Filipinos, particularly the poor and the helpless. My crusade to keep our people healthier is evident in our work of monitoring the continuing operations of the Malasakit Centers program, the establishment of more Super Health Centers, and the implementation of the Regional Specialty Center Act, among others,” Go said.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies are brought under one roof to ensure that government medical assistance programs are within the reach of indigent Filipinos. The program is institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 which we principally authored and sponsored. Since its establishment, the 166 Malasakit Centers to date have helped more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health.
Super Health Centers provide primary healthcare services at the community level with more than 700 of these funded so far through his collaboration with DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, or RA 11959, which he is the principal sponsor and one of its authors, aims to bring specialized medical services to every region providing better access to every Filipino.
The senator’s remarks encapsulate a vision for a healthier, better-educated, and empowered nation, grounded in the principles championed by Dr. Jose Rizal. By honoring the hero’s legacy, Senator Go urged Filipinos to embody the spirit of service and dedication for future generations.
“Ang diwa ng paglilingkod at sakripisyo ni Rizal ang magpapatuloy sa ating laban para sa kabutihan ng susunod na henerasyon,” Senator Go concluded.
