SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate committee on basic education, attended the 41st Principals Training and Development Program Cum National Board Conference (PTDP-NBC), on Thursday, June 27 held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The event, themed “Reskilling and Upskilling the School Heads on MATATAG Agenda,” saw an impressive gathering of around 8,000 elementary school principals nationwide who received tokens of appreciation from the senator.

“Sa lahat ng mga principal na naririto, saludo po ako sa inyong walang sawang pagsusumikap at dedikasyon. Kayo po ang tunay na lider ng ating mga paaralan, at sa kabila ng mga hamon at pagsubok, patuloy ninyong iniaalay ang inyong buong puso upang masiguro na makapagbigay ng de-kalidad na edukasyon para sa ating mga kabataan. Kayo po ang nagsisilbing haligi ng ating mga paaralan, at ang inyong pangunguna ay inspirasyon sa ating lahat,” Go greeted in his remarks.

In his keynote speech, Senator Go underscored the pivotal role that principals play in the educational ecosystem. “Principals are the guiding lights of their schools, leading not only teachers, but the entire school community towards excellence,” Go remarked. He highlighted the immense responsibility principals bear in shaping the future of education in the Philippines.

The senator also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by school leaders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “‘Yung transition niyo from face-to-face, to online, to face-to-face ulit, alam ko po ‘yung pinagdaanan niyo (at) napakahirap po ng pinagdaanan niyo noong panahon na yun kaya salamat po sa inyong serbisyo, salamat po sa inyong pasensya,” Go underscored.

Reaffirming his commitment to the education sector, Senator Go emphasized his belief in the youth as the cornerstone of future generations.

The conference featured a heartwarming performance by two principals from Caloocan City who sang during the event, showcasing their talent and gratitude. The principals also clearly showed their love and appreciation for Senator Go, repeatedly chanting his name throughout the event.

Senator Go’s legislative efforts reflect his deep commitment to enhancing the educational landscape.

Among his notable contributions are Republic Act No. 11984, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act”, which he co-authored and co-sponsored. This Act ensures that students can take their exams regardless of financial constraints.

The recently signed law RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which Go co-authored and co-sponsored, is a significant legislative measure aimed at increasing the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.

He noted that during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, RA 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, was legislated. This law has significantly helped impoverished students by providing free education at local colleges, universities, and state-operated technical vocational institutions.

Building on the achievements of RA 10931, Senator Go has co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to broaden the scope and coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES).

Furthermore, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1864 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies bill. He also proposed Senate Bill No. 1786, which would require public higher education institutions (HEIs) to have mental health offices in their campuses. Go also co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2200, or the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

Go also mentioned that he supported the passage of Republic Act 11509, or the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act”, which establishes a Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program for deserving and qualified Filipino students to pursue medical studies in State Universities and Colleges or in Private Higher Education Institutions in regions where no SUCs are offering a medical course. Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed the measure in 2021.