Senator Christopher "Bong" Go lauded the Senate approval of a bill waiving the entrance examination fees in private higher educational institutions for deserving students.

Senate Bill No. 2441, also known as the "Free College Entrance Examinations Act," received a sweeping 22-0 vote on its third and final reading on Monday.

"This is a significant step towards ensuring that every Filipino student has the opportunity to pursue higher education," said Go, author and co-sponsor of the bill. "By removing financial barriers, we are opening doors for our youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to reach their full potential."

SBN 2441, a consolidation of bills proposed by Go and Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Mark Villar, Manuel "Lito" Lapid, Raffy Tulfo, Francis Escudero and Win Gatchalian, aims to support natural-born Filipino students belonging to the top 10 percent of their graduating class and coming from families under the poverty threshold, as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority.

"For many families, the cost of a college entrance exam is a barrier that prevents talented students from accessing higher education. By waiving these fees, we are also investing in the future of our nation," Go said.

The bill stipulates that qualified students are exempt from all examination fees at private HEIs nationwide. The Commission on Higher Education is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this measure if enacted into law, including imposing sanctions on institutions that fail to comply.

Go has consistently pushed for policies that uplift the educational standards in the Philippines, believing that education is a powerful tool for change and development.

"Education should be a right, not a privilege. Today, we move closer to that ideal," he said.

In addition to this bill, Go has been instrumental in co-authoring and co-sponsoring several other education-related bills, such as SBN 1864, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act; and SBN 1964, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, further demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in the Philippines.

Adopted son

Meanwhile, Go was honored as an adopted son of Oriental Mindoro during the Araw ng Pasasalamat — a significant annual Fiesta "Mahalta Na" celebrating the province's founding anniversary.

"We are just from Mindanao whom you gave the opportunity to serve you. We are the ones who should thank you," he said.

He vowed to work for Filipinos and do his job the best way he can.

He thanked Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who was also declared adopted son of the province, Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor, Vice Governor Ejay Falcon and Congressman Alfonso "Boy" Umali.

Go also paid special tribute to the barangay officials, acknowledging their crucial role in local governance and community service.

He said the establishment of the Malasakit Centers, describing them as a "one-stop shop" within hospitals that house four government agencies — the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office — is for poor and indigent patients, and to support in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.

There are now 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have already provided aid to more than ten million Filipinos.

Go also reiterated his resolve to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots.