Bong Go pushes access to quality education

MANILA, Philippines — Empowering the youth by giving them better access to quality education is important to ensure a brighter future for the nation, Sen. Bong Go said during the opening of the 13th National Youth Parliament-National Assembly last Thursday.

In his video message, Go highlighted the crucial role of today’s youth in nation-building and the correlative obligation of the government in supporting them.

“As we all know, the youth uphold our future as they have the potential to change the country for the better. That is why it is always important that we, your public servants, should be able to support the youth sector in the best way we can,” Go said. “The more we empower our youth, the brighter the future would be for our nation.”

As a senator, Go reaffirmed his commitment to provide more Filipino youths with improved access to quality education to better equip them as contributing members of society.

“Youth is a phase of life that shapes your personality and it gives you endless possibilities to explore your individuality as you walk towards adulthood,” Go noted.

“With that being said, I believe that the most vital support we could give our children is access to quality education. If we give every youth, especially those in urban areas, the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, improve their skills and talents and nurture their personalities, I am positive that our society will remarkably progress,” Go added.

Go is one of the co-authors of Republic Act No. 11510 or the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Act of 2021 which improves the delivery of basic education to underrepresented and disadvantaged students.

The ALS Law provides students with specialized programs and alternative education approaches not available under the formal learning system.

Go also co-authored RA 11650 which institutes services and programs for learners with disabilities in support of inclusive education. The law aims to enhance the quality of education in the formal learning sector by providing free support services as well as programs that are tailored to the needs of differently-abled learners.

It mandates the implementation of a Child Find System, a scheme for locating and evaluating learners with disabilities who have not received basic education services and facilitating their inclusion into the general education system.

“As your partner in the Senate, I will always be an advocate for the youth and I will continue to support programs and initiatives that would benefit the youth sector,” vowed Go.

He thanked the National Youth Commission and its members for helping in the empowerment of the country’s youth by helping them recognize their own potential to change society for the better.

“To all of the youth who are present here today, continue to excel in your studies, pursue your dreams, motivate and inspire other youths and explore your potential,” Go said.

“As your Kuya Bong Go, expect that I will always be here to empower you and guide you towards the right path as you are our country’s torchbearers for a brighter tomorrow,” he concluded.