Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged graduates of Davao del Sur State College (DDSC) to use their education in service of others and the nation, during the school’s 6th commencement exercises on Friday.

“Never forget where you came from and never stop serving others. Hindi kailangang maging sikat o may posisyon para tumulong. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness changes someone’s life,” Go told the graduates.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, praised parents for their sacrifices and highlighted his own family’s journey. “Kaming mga magulang lahat ibinibigay namin sa aming mga anak... Palakpakan natin ang ating mga magulang na nasa taas. Para sa inyo rin ito, aside from the graduates,” he said.

He shared that his son, a CPA-lawyer and current vice mayor of Lupon, Davao Oriental, graduated as valedictorian of Ateneo School of Law in 2024.

During the ceremony, Go met with graduates under the college’s inclusive ICET Program for the Deaf, joining them for selfies and handing out small tokens.

A longtime advocate of education, Go highlighted legislation he supported, including the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which he helped push during the Duterte administration. “Noong panahon po ni former President Duterte ipinaglaban po natin yung Free Tertiary Education Act... Muntik na po itong ma-veto,” he said.

He also cited his role in laws promoting education access, including the “No Permit, No Exam” Act, the “Free College Entrance Examinations” Act, the ALS institutionalization law, and the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Act.

Earlier that day, Go also led the ribbon-cutting of the new National Commission of Senior Citizens Regional Office XII in General Santos City.