Senator Bong Go has made a steadfast commitment to bolstering the education sector in the country, presenting a range of proposed measures aimed at substantial improvements.
During his recent visits to different communities in the country, Go shared his engagement with Filipino students, inspiring them to pursue academic excellence and emphasizing the importance of completing their education as a cherished contribution to their parents.
“Sa aking naging mga pagbisita sa mga komunidad kamakailan lamang, nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makasalamuha ang ilan sa ating mga estudyante. Binigyang-diin ko sa kanila ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon sa paghubog ng isang mas magandang kinabukasan,” said Go.
“Hinimok ko silang magsumikap sa kanilang pag-aaral at ipinaalala na sila ang ‘torchbearers’ ng kaunlaran para sa Pilipinas. Ang pagtatapos ng pag-aaral ang pinakamagandang regalo na maibibigay nila sa kanilang mga magulang,” he added.
During these interactions, Go shared his vision for education reform, stating, “Kasama na rin dito ang pagsisikap upang mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang ating mga kabataang pag-asa ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng de-kalidad na edukasyon.”
Having strong confidence in the Department of Education under the leadership of Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, Senator Go expressed optimism, saying, “Malaki naman ang tiwala ko sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon sa pamumuno ni Pangalawang Pangulo at DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte na mas lalong mapabuti ang mga pang-edukasyon na programa ng gobyerno.”
Aligned with this belief, Go has co-authored several proposed bills in the Senate. One of these is Senate Bill No. 1864, also known as the “Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act.”
He explained that the purpose of this bill is to defer the collection of student loans during times of calamities or other emergencies, such as a pandemic.
In his dedication to equal opportunities for education, Senator Go passionately advocated for SBN 1359, the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act.”
He emphasized that if the bill becomes a law, it would prohibit policies that prevent students from taking exams due to unpaid tuition fees or other school-related expenses.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, Go also highlighted SBN 1360, which aims to amend the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.”
“Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawak ng saklaw ng mga educational assistance programs ng gobyerno, tinitiyak natin na mas maraming karapat-dapat na estudyante ang makapagpapatuloy ng kanilang pag-aaral at makatutulong sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” Go explained.
Go’s concern for the overall well-being of students extended to mental health. He filed SBN 1786, which aims to establish mental health offices in public higher education institutions, emphasizing the need to prioritize students’ mental health alongside their physical well-being.
The senator also serves as co-author of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s SBN 379, otherwise known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to provide mental health services, emotional, developmental, and preventive programs, and other support services in the basic education level.
Lastly, Go expressed his belief in the potential of utilizing the Special Education Fund to further support public schools, saying, “Kaya naman nag-file din ako ng SBN 1190 na layuning palawakin ang saklaw ng SEF para magamit sa operasyon at pagpapanatili ng mga pampublikong paaralan, pagbabayad ng mga sahod at benepisyo ng mga guro, pagsasanay sa ating mga guro, operasyon ng Alternative Learning System, research education, at iba pa.”
Through his proposed bills and unwavering commitment, Go strives to build a brighter future for Filipino students and ensure that education remains a catalyst for progress in the Philippines.