As the new school year gets underway, Senator Bong Go’s office, in partnership with local government units and members of the private sector, conducted a school outreach activity benefiting students from Sampaloc and Tondo in Manila.
“Hindi lang po notebooks at uniporme ang kailangang ihanda. Mas mahalaga na handa rin ang ating isipan at katawan para sa panibagong taon ng pag-aaral,” Go said in a message.
“Education is key to building a better future for our country.”
“Education is key to building a better future for our country, and our youth are the foundation of that future,” the veteran legislator added.
The seasoned lawmaker stressed his advocacy of young people with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to make informed decisions and take action in their communities. This endeavor aligns with the objectives of private partners such as the Junior Chamber International, a global non-profit organization consisting of youth and professionals.
Through the initiative, 100 learners received school bags containing notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, and paper during distribution activities held at the Barangay 940 Covered Court in Sampaloc and the Barangay 56 Covered Court in Tondo.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, the senator reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies and programs that uphold every Filipino’s right to accessible, inclusive, and quality education. He emphasized that investing in students is an investment in the country’s future.
Go highlighted several education-related laws that he co-authored and co-sponsored, including Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which provides temporary financial relief to student borrowers affected by calamities. He also co-authored RA 11510, which institutionalized the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school youth and marginalized learners.
He likewise co-sponsored RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which prohibits educational institutions from preventing students from taking examinations solely because of unpaid tuition and other school fees.
Recognizing the vital role of educators, Go also co-authored RA 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which gradually increased the annual teaching allowance of public school teachers.
He also underscored the importance of safeguarding students’ mental health as they adjust to the demands of the school year. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he encouraged learners to seek help whenever they experience emotional or psychological difficulties.
“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 also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which institutionalizes comprehensive mental health and well-being programs in basic education schools, ensuring that learners receive appropriate mental health education and support services from an early age.
“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.
