Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Saturday joined the inauguration of the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) Lupon Extension Campus, saying the new facility will make college education more accessible to students in Lupon and nearby communities.

Located at the Old Municipal Hall along Aguinaldo Street in Poblacion, the extension campus is expected to spare students from traveling to Mati City to pursue higher education.

“Congratulations to the people of Lupon on your new DOrSU extension campus. Students will no longer have to travel to Mati to attend college,” Go said.

The senator reiterated his commitment to expanding access to higher education, citing his support for the Free Tertiary Education Act, which provides free tuition in state universities and colleges.

“I fully support the education of our youth. We fought for free tertiary education so students can study in state colleges and universities without paying tuition,” he said.

Go also highlighted Senate Bill 169, which seeks to expand the Tertiary Education Subsidy by giving students more schooling options, particularly in areas without nearby state universities and colleges.

“I believe education is the foundation of every student’s future, and our youth are the future of our nation,” he said.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go said he would continue backing initiatives that improve educational opportunities for young Filipinos.

“We must continue investing in education because it is one of the best ways to prepare our youth for the future,” he said.

Go also cited infrastructure projects he supported for DOrSU, including the construction of a water supply system at the San Isidro Campus and the rehabilitation of the university gymnasium in Mati City in 2025.

For 2026, he backed funding worth P22.5 million for the fourth phase of a three-story Green Technology Building at the Mati main campus and P18.7 million for a two-story modern academic building to replace a makeshift facility.

The senator also renewed support for Senate Bill 1782, which seeks to convert DOrSU’s extension campuses in Baganga, Cateel, and Tarragona into regular campuses.

Go likewise promoted the proposed amendments to Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, saying the measure would expand educational options for qualified students.

“If this measure becomes law, students will have more choices in pursuing higher education,” he said.

He vowed to continue supporting DOrSU and other education initiatives, saying, “As a member of the Senate, I will continue fighting for higher education and programs that will benefit our students.”