“I AM happy that Senator Bong Go is here personally because I will tell you his story. Ayaw sabihin ni Senator Bong Go, so ako na ang magsasabi. In those dark days when there was an attempt to veto the bill for free higher education, I got a phone call from Senator Bong Go. I remember that (call in) 2017.… Sabi ni Senator Bong Go, can you write a confidential memo to the President showing that free higher education is feasible,” Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero “Popoy” E. de Vera III said during the inaugural University of the Philippines (UP)-State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy: Strengthening Partnerships in Philippine Public Higher Education Summit held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City on Friday, September 15, which was also attended by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

The summit brought together leaders from various SUCs, Baguio City Congressman and chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Mark Go, and representatives from private higher education institutions. It was aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation within the Philippine higher education system.

De Vera extended his heartfelt gratitude to Go for his exceptional contributions to the advancement of the country’s education sector. He praised the senator for his tireless efforts in supporting legislation that not only provides greater access to quality education but also uplifts the welfare of educators and students alike.

De Vera specifically recalled the moment when Go reached out to him and expressed his concern that there were significant objections surrounding the enactment of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. De Vera shared that Go advised and encouraged him to craft a memo to counter said objections raised by finance managers then regarding its feasibility and sustainability.

The CHED chairman thanked Go’s support and guidance, disclosing that more than a million Filipino students now benefit from free tuition.

“That (story about the) call from Senator Bong Go must be heard in public because without that, I don’t think we will have two million young Filipinos today enjoying free tuition and miscellaneous fees in more than 200 state universities and colleges,” he highlighted.

The summit centered around four key programs that will shape the future of higher education in the Philippines: the UP Data Commons, Philippines Massive Open Online Courses (PHMOOCs), the UP Archipelagic and Ocean Virtual University (UPAOVU), and programs for TVUP, an online television (webcast) network under the operated by UP.

In his address, Go emphasized the critical role that education plays in the nation’s development. He reiterated his belief that education is the great equalizer, a powerful tool that can uplift individuals and communities out of poverty and pave the way for a brighter future.

“Today, we are here to deliberate on the future of higher education in the Philippines—a subject that holds the key to our nation’s future. Our guiding theme, ‘Pagtutulay, Pagtutuloy,’ is a philosophy that echoes my own journey, from the streets of this city to the halls of the Senate. We are not merely linking our State Universities and Colleges. We are also fortifying these connections to withstand the unpredictable tides of social change and technological advancements,” said Go.

In a bid to enhance access to tertiary education, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360. This bill seeks to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by amending Republic Act No. 10931, known as the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act. By broadening the reach of TES, Go expressed his confidence that more underprivileged students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Go shared his vision for a stronger and more inclusive education sector. He highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration among SUCs, emphasizing that by working together, these institutions can pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise to deliver quality education to Filipino students.

Furthermore, the senator also acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic but also stressed the opportunities it presented for innovation in education.

“I urge the Commission on Higher Education, SUCs, and UP to not forget the essence of our mission – education transcends learning, it is also about nurturing well-rounded Filipino citizen individuals who are morally upright as they are intellectually adept, as empathetic as they are competent. Hindi lang dapat magaling sa classroom kundi dapat may malasakit at handang magserbisyo po sa kapwa,” Go emphasized.

“As we convene today to fortify the alliances among UP, SUCs, and CHED, let us bear in mind that our true measure of success transcends academic accolades and institutional prestige, it is gauge by the lives we elevate and the destines we shape. Together, let us lay the foundation, pagtutuloy for a future way in every Filipino respective of their origins can aspire for greatness,” he concluded.

In a bid to further bolster the education sector, Go also co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 1359 or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act” and it has successfully passed its third and final reading in March. This proposed legislation aims to put an end to the practice of denying students access to examinations or other educational assessments due to unpaid tuition or school fees.

The bill ensures that no student’s education is compromised due to financial constraints.

Meanwhile, citing that students frequently encounter financial difficulties that make it challenging to fulfill loan repayment obligations due to disasters and other emergencies, Go introduced SBN 1864, known as the “Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act.” This proposed legislation offers relief to students who have previously taken out loans but are unable to meet their repayment obligations due to unforeseen circumstances.

On the same day, Go also visited Bislig City, Surigao del Sur where he led the launch of the 159th Malasakit Center at Bislig District Hospital. Furthermore, Go provided gift packs to 32 couples during the Kasalan ng Bayan, also in the city.

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