Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has underscored the vital role of a robust educational system in a flourishing society.
Go issued the statement as he voted in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections early this week in Davao City, emphasizing the need to invest in education and school facilities.
A member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Go said he is committed to supporting the construction of new public schools and the repair of existing ones.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring students' comfort as they transition from online to face-to-face classes, acknowledging the significant adjustments made by school authorities during the pandemic.
In the Senate, Go introduced Senate Bill 1190, aiming to expand the purpose and reach of the Special Education Fund.
If enacted into law, the bill would broaden the scope of SEF utilization, granting local governments the authority to allocate resources for enhancing educational infrastructure, faculty development, and the acquisition of essential educational resources.
Go also filed SB 1360, building upon the achievements of Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act.
The proposed legislation seeks to widen the scope of tertiary education subsidies, making financial assistance accessible to a more extensive pool of aspiring college students.
"This is why Republic Act 10931 was enacted during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte. I am also a co-author and co-sponsor of SB 1360, with the aim of expanding it even further," Go explained.
"If we pass this, we will provide more opportunities for our qualified and deserving students to receive a quality education," he added.
Additionally, Go co-sponsored SB 2441, known as the "Free College Entrance Examinations Act," to advance access to quality education, particularly for financially disadvantaged yet deserving students.
This proposed legislation mandates private higher education institutions to waive entrance examination fees for eligible students.
Under SB 2441, students from indigent families who rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class would qualify for free entrance exams at private higher education institutions, subject to meeting income criteria established by the National Economic and Development Authority.
"If we pass this, we will provide more opportunities for our qualified and deserving students to receive a quality education," Go emphasized.