Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on Friday, February 7 to extend assistance to 1,000 indigent college students as part of his ongoing commitment to promoting education and the well-being of Filipino youth.
Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, also underscored the importance of mental health services in educational institutions, as he co-authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which institutionalizes mental health programs in schools to address the growing concerns among students.
In parallel efforts, he is also one of the authors of SBN 2598, or the proposed State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Services Act, which aims to establish Mental Health Offices in SUCs to provide comprehensive support and intervention for students, faculty, and staff if enacted into law.
“Mental health is a crucial issue that we must address alongside other health concerns. Importante po na may malalapitan ang ating mga estudyante kung may pinagdadaanan sila sa kanilang mental health,” Go emphasized.
If passed into law, the measure will require the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and public HEIs to implement mental health campaigns and provide accessible mental health services within campuses. The bill also promotes awareness of mental health issues, support for at-risk individuals, and improved access to counseling and intervention programs.
Furthermore, the recent enactment of RA 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act reflects Senator Go’s commitment to ensuring continued education for affected students during crises. The law, which he co-sponsored and co-authored, provides temporary financial relief for students with outstanding loans during calamities.
Go also co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to enhance basic education delivery for disadvantaged students; RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which ensures students are not denied exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, which waives entrance exam fees for top-performing students in private higher education institutions; and RA 11997, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
Held at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center and conducted in coordination with local officials, Go and his Malasakit team provided grocery packs, snacks, basketballs, volleyballs, and shirts to the students. Additionally, select beneficiaries received sports gear such as a bicycle, a mobile phones, and new pairs of shoes.
Senator Go then acknowledged the support of local officials, including Governor Jerry Singson, Vice Governor Ryan Singson, Congressman Ronald Singson, Mayor Bonito Singson, and Vice Mayor Randy Singson, for their efforts in supporting the youth.
“Gusto ko lang din kunin ang tsansa na ito na magpasalamat sa minamahal nating Senator Bong Go. Ang Vigan City po ay benepisyaryo ng kanyang pagmamalasakit. Napakabait ni Senator Bong Go, kaibigan po siya ng hindi lang ng buong Ilocos kundi ng buong Pilipinas,” Mayor Singson said.
In partnership with Senator Go, the local government also extended financial assistance to help students with their educational needs.
Senator Go reassured the students and their families that he will remain steadfast in advocating for their welfare. “Bilang inyong lingkod, patuloy kong isusulong ang mga programa at batas na makakatulong sa ating mga estudyante. Huwag kayong susuko sa inyong pangarap dahil andito kami upang tumulong at sumuporta sa abot ng aming makakaya. Go lang nang go!,” he encouraged.
“Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil ang serbisyong totoo ay walang pinipiling lugar o panahon. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go added who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate brand of public service.
Apart from assisting students, Go also assisted various cooperatives in North Luzon in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority under its Malasakit sa Kooperatiba program.
