SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go had the honor of being the commencement speaker at the University of Southeastern Philippines’ 44th commencement exercises.

As the commencement speaker, Go emphasized the significance of education and took the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.

“Mga kabataan nasa inyo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito,” said Go.

“May you go forth from this day with courage in your hearts, knowledge in your minds, and a burning passion to make a difference. Congratulations, Class of 2023!,” said Go.

The senator noted the significance of the occasion, stating, “Graduation day is a moment of transition. A turning point where you bid farewell to the comfort and academia and step into the vast and ever-evolving world.”

He encouraged the graduates to be agents of change and to champion the causes that mattered to them.

“Remember, success is not measured solely by personal achievements or material wealth. True success lies in the positive impact we create in the lives we touch along the way,” Go asserted.

He urged the graduates to “use your education, your talents, and your influence to uplift others.”

Go also highlighted the importance of family and commended the hard work of parents in supporting their children’s educational pursuits.

“Pasalamatan po natin ang ating mga magulang po. Sa lahat po ng mga magulang, sa inyo po lahat ito. Alam n’yo tayong mga magulang halos nagpapakamatay po tayong magtrabaho para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak,” he urged.

Placing a great emphasis on the importance of education, he said, ” Never stop challenging yourselves. Seek out opportunities to expand your horizons to innovate and to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the globalized world.”

Go then proceeded to outline several proposed measures aimed at improving the country’s education sector and ensuring the welfare of students. One such measure is Senate Bill No. 1359, also referred to as “An Act Prohibiting the ‘No Permit, No Exam’ Policy.” The bill seeks to alleviate the burden faced by students who are unable to take exams due to financial constraints.

“Ito pong bill na ito, no student will be denied the opportunity to take examination based solely on their inability to secure the necessary permits and clearances. It promotes equal access to education and ensures that no student is left behind,” explained Go.

Go also expressed his strong commitment to promoting mental health among students and the Filipino population as a whole. One of the key initiatives that reflect this commitment is SBN 1786.

“Alam n’yo sa panahon ng pandemya napakarami pong apektado dahil alam mo ang OFWs nagpapakamatay. Marami talaga ang naghirap, mental health naging isyu po lalo na noong panahon ng pandemya… Kaya ‘yung iba po nagsu-suicide,” said Go.

Go also highlighted several other bills that he has filed in the Senate. One of these is SBN 423, also known as the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, which aims to institutionalize a national Olympics at the grassroots level.

He emphasized, “Sa kakaikot ko sa buong Pilipinas, parati kong sinasabihan ang mga estudyante, ang mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs.”

The senator also shared Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports. Go authored and co-sponsored the said measure which was enacted into law during the Duterte administration.

He said, “Nasa Clark po ‘yan, pwede pong mag-aral ang atleta, at the same time, pwede pong mag-training.”