Lade Kabagani

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go is rallying for an increased budget allocation for basic education facilities. 

In a senate plenary on Thursday, Go emphasized the need for the government to address to lack of school classrooms amid the continuous opening of face-to-face classes in the country. 

"I would also like to express my support for the increase in the budget of basic education facilities which was allotted with an additional P10 billion or a 44 percent increase from this year's allocation," Go said in his manifestation during the chamber's deliberation of the budget of Department of Education and its attached agency. 

Go said the government should construct at least 159,000 classrooms nationwide so "that it can bridge the gap" existing in basic education.

"In fact, sa pag-iikot ko po sa buong bansa, halos inilalapit po sa atin ng mga teachers, kulang ang kanilang classrooms lalung-lalo na po sa liblib na komunidad, marami pong nagpapatulong sa atin at inilalapit naman natin ito sa departamento," he added. 

During his previous visits to various schools nationwide, Go said he noticed that some students and teachers kept on adjusting class sessions with ruined classrooms. 

"Napansin ko rin po na may mga eskwelahan pa rin na hindi maganda ang kondisyon, sira-sira ang bubong o yero pa rin ang bubong, hindi maayos ang mga silid-aralan, maruruming palikuran, kahoy na pundasyon, at marami pang iba. Iyon po ang hinaing ng mga teachers natin," he continued. 

"That is why I am with the Vice President and the DepEd in their efforts to improve basic education facilities. And I support, Mr. President, increases in the budget for this program," he added. 

Citing the need to improve the education facilities, Go also noted the government should push efforts to further strengthen the education system. 

Hence, he expressed support to DepEd's launching of the MATATAG Curriculum: 'Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa' agenda. 

"This program definitely marks a crucial moment in our nation's educational landscape, and I believe it will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges that we face in our education system," Go said. 

"The MATATAG program is truly a testament to the visionary leadership of the Vice President and the Secretary of the Department of Education," he added.

Go lauded the Senate's decision to increase the DepEd's budget by P3 billion.