Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the officers and members of Kiwanis Southern Philippine District on Saturday, September 6, calling them “steadfast partners in service dedicated to nurturing the youth and building communities” during their 50th Annual District Convention at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City.
“For five decades, the Kiwanis has been a steadfast partner in service, dedicated to nurturing the youth and building communities anchored on compassion, volunteerism, and hope,” Go said.
According to Go, Kiwanis has shown what real service is: uplifting others, giving people hope, and opening doors of opportunity.
“All these efforts stem from one guiding principle: malasakit sa kapwa,” Go explained.
The senator, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need, shares Kiwanis’ genuine concern for the youth.
This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Building the Future: 50 Years of Leadership and Service to the Children.”
As a legislator and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go shared the same vision of empowering the next generation.
“I have pushed for measures that uplift the welfare of students, educators, and families. I co-authored Republic Act No. 11510, institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System to provide out-of-school youth and children a chance to continue their education,” Go said.
In addition, Go has been a vocal proponent of removing financial barriers in education as one of the authors and co-sponsors of RA 12006.
“We also passed RA 12006, the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, and RA 12077, which grants a moratorium on student loan payments during disasters and emergencies,” Go stated.
The senator likewise co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11984, the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, to ensure that no student is deprived of the right to take exams because of unpaid fees.
“We also pushed for the passage of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or RA 10931, which was signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte. This 20th Congress, we will push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 169 which proposes the inclusion of qualified poor students enrolled in private higher education institutions,” Go pointed out.
Recognizing the importance of mental health in education, the senator filed SBN 176 to establish mental health services in public higher education institutions and co-authored RA 12080, promoting mental health and well-being in basic education schools.
“Through these measures, I aim to ensure that every Filipino youth—whether on the court, in the classroom, or in life—has the tools to succeed,” Go said.
Related to this, Senator Go paid tribute to his former nursery teacher, Teacher Araceli “Didit” Layog, now 71 years old and emcee of the event.
“Malaki po ang utang ng loob natin sa ating mga guro… Para sa akin, teaching is still the most noble profession. Daghang salamat sa iyo. Malaking bahagi po kayo ng buhay naming estudyante noon. Malaking papel ng mga guro sa paghubog ng ating kabataan para maging produktibong miyembro ng ating kabataan,” a grateful Go said.
Apart from Senator Go, also present during the event were Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Southern Philippines District Governor James Edwin Go, Southern Philippines District Governor-elect Danilo Fernandez, Southern Philippines District Vice Governor Carlos Capitan II, Past Asia-Pacific Regional Chair Jose Ramon Altavas, and Sittie Ong-Go.