Jerichsome Ubongen, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student at Lyceum Northern Luzon in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, expressed his family’s heartfelt gratitude for the educational grant he received last year through a scholarship supported by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as Chair of the Senate committee on Youth.
His mother, Analyn Ubongen, shared how the assistance became a lifeline for them as she singlehandedly supports Jerichsome’s education.
“Ako po ay lubos na natutuwa po sa ganitong programa na sinusuportahan ni Senator Bong Go — ito pong Tulong Dunong Program ng Commission on Higher Education’s Tulong Dunong Program. Malaking tulong po ito para sa aking anak na nag-aaral. Lalo po na ako ay mahirap lang at wala pong katuwang sa pagpapaaral sa anak ko dahil wala na po siyang tatay,” she shared.
As a health worker, Analyn has worked tirelessly to ensure her son continues his studies. “Salamat, Senator Bong Go. First time kong makakatanggap ng tulong para sa anak ko. Gusto po niya talaga makapagtapos,” she said.
“Kaya Senator Bong Go, sana po ipagpatuloy mo ang ganitong suporta sa mga programa dahil marami ka pong natutulungan gaya ko na isang magulang na mahirap lamang at sa mga bata na gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” she added.
Senator Go has remained steadfast in his commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipinos through accessible education.
“Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan at edukasyon ang susi tungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Go has said earlier.
The passage of Republic Act No. 12077, also known as the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, underscores Senator Go’s dedication to upholding the dignity of Filipinos in times of crisis. As a co-sponsor and co-author of the law, he has helped ensure that students with existing loans receive temporary financial relief during emergencies and calamities.
Senator Go earlier 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.
An adopted son of Pangasinan, Go’s continued support for scholarship programs underscores his dedication to ensuring that more students like Jerichsome Ubongen have the means to achieve their dreams and contribute to the country’s progress.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo, at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
