DURING a gathering of aspiring professionals hosted by the Dr. Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Saturday, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the profound impact of education in nation-building.

Go was one of the guest speakers during the CBRC’s Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Ultimate Final Coaching which consisted of lectures for aspiring teachers to prepare them for the exam and their future teaching careers.

The Senator commended Dr. Carl Balita and his team behind the Review Center for their efforts to mold future teachers and other aspiring professionals. He also provided support as well as tokens to pre-board exam top notchers and others in attendance including balls for those focusing on Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health Education.

“Gusto ko pong pasalamatan ang ating Dr. Carl Balita. Itong taong ito napakabait, napakagaling, industrious, at napakatalino… And of course, ang lahat ng ating mga student attendees who will take the board exams, parents of the board examinees, deans and faculty members of different colleges and universities, top notchers of Carl Balita Review Center, advance congratulations po sa inyong lahat,” Go said in his speech.

Meanwhile, CBRC also celebrated luminaries in education by recognizing deans and presidents from universities nationwide for their outstanding contributions to molding future educators, awarding them with the Dakilang Pagkilala Award.

“Ang bawat isa sa inyo, mga dean, presidente, guro, at estudyante, ay mahalagang bahagi ng paglalakbay patungo sa mas magandang kinabukasan. Napakahalaga po ng inyong kontribusyon sa ating bayan, lalo na sa pamamagitan ng paghubog ng ating mga kabataan gamit ang edukasyon,” Go said.

“Napakaimportante po ng edukasyon. Iyan po ang puhunan natin sa mundong ito. At tandaan n’yo po mga kabataan, kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito. At pagdating ng panahon malay n’yo kayo rin po ang maging senador. Isa lang po ang sikreto diyan, mahalin nyo po ang inyong kapwa Pilipino, hinding-hindi po kayo magkakamali,” he then advised.

Go also gave emphasis on the role of parents in ensuring a better future for their children.

As a senator, Go shared his legislative endeavors to enhance the Philippine education system. One of these measures Go co-authored is Senate Bill No. 1359, aimed at eliminating the “No Permit, No Exam” policy. Similarly, SBN 1864, co-authored by Go, proposes a Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies

“I have always believed that access to quality education is one of the most powerful catalysts of change. It breaks down barriers and levels the playing field. That is the reason I fight so hard to make our education system accessible, affordable, and fair for everyone,” he said.

Extending his support to the educators who shape the nation’s future, Go also co-authored SBN 1964, which proposes to increase the Teaching Supplies Allowance.

He has also been instrumental in advocating for the well-being of government workers including public school teachers through legislative measures such as Republic Act No. 11466, known as Salary Standardization Law 5, which he co-sponsored and is one of its authors. He has recently filed SBN 2504, or the Salary Standardization Law 6, designed to provide public sector employees with a more improved compensation framework.

Go also shared that he has also been advocating for the mental well-being of students and educators through Senate Bill No. 2200 which we co-authored, and Senate Bill No. 1786 which he filed, to create an educational environment that is supportive, nurturing, and conducive to learning and personal development.