As the new school year draws near, Senator Bong Go reminded Filipino students and their families to start preparing not only their school needs but also their mindset and well-being for the challenges and learnings ahead.
“Mas mahalaga na handa rin ang ating isipan at katawan para sa panibagong taon ng pag-aaral,” Go said.
“Education is key to building a better future for our country, and our youth are the foundation of that future,” the legislator added.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, the lawmaker reassured the public of his continued support for policies and programs that uphold the right to accessible, inclusive, and quality education. The senator emphasized that supporting students means investing in the nation’s long-term progress.
He reaffirmed his commitment by citing key legislative measures that he has co-authored and co-sponsored to expand access to education and protect the rights of both students and teachers.
Among these is Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which provides temporary financial relief to student borrowers during times of calamity. Go also supported RA No. 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to support out-of-school youth and marginalized learners in attaining basic education.
To further protect students’ rights, he co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which ensures students cannot be barred from taking exams due to unpaid school fees. In addition, he pushed for RA 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, which removes entrance exam fees for qualified senior high school students applying to private higher education institutions. Supporting teachers as well, RA 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, increases the teaching supply allowance of public school educators.
“Through these legislative efforts, we aim to create an environment where every Filipino learner has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their socio-economic background.”
“Through these legislative efforts, we aim to create an environment where every Filipino learner has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their socio-economic background,” Go stressed.
Equally important, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography reminded students to take care of their physical and mental health as they enter the new academic year.
“Mental wellness is just as important as academic performance.”
“Mental wellness is just as important as academic performance. Huwag po kayong mahiyang humingi ng tulong kung kinakailangan. Walang masama sa pagkonsulta kung nahihirapan ka na,” he said.
Go emphasized the urgency of institutionalizing campus-based mental health programs nationwide, especially amid the growing number of reported cases of depression and suicide among students and young professionals.
He filed a proposed measure mandating all state universities and colleges (SUCs) to establish Mental Health Offices. These offices would provide students, faculty, and staff with access to professional psychological support, counseling services, mental health education, and early intervention programs. They will also spearhead awareness campaigns to promote a culture of openness and reduce the stigma around seeking help.
Under the proposed measure, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and public higher education institutions (HEIs) will be mandated to implement proactive, accessible, confidential, and culturally appropriate mental health programs. The bill also encourages the establishment of peer support networks and training for faculty and school personnel to identify early warning signs and respond effectively to mental health concerns.
In parallel efforts, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 12080, also known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which institutionalizes mental health programs in basic education schools. This landmark law ensures that even younger learners have access to proper mental health education and support systems from an early stage.
As students prepare to return to their classrooms, Go reassured them that he will continue working hard to support both their academic and personal well-being.
“Sa ating mga kabataan, huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Sa abot ng aking makakaya, patuloy ko kayong susuportahan sa inyong paglalakbay patungo sa magandang kinabukasan,” he concluded.
