SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go, known for his advocacy for education and sports development, attended the Commencement Exercises of Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation Inc. in Legazpi City, Albay, on Thursday, June 6.
Jennifer Divina, one of the graduates, paid tribute to Go’s initiatives and support in their province, particularly the Malasakit Centers program institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored. The 289 graduates and SLCFI faculty members received graduation packs from Go. The college valedictorian, Angelyn Banga, a Bachelor of Business Administration major in Human Resource Development Management; High School valedictorian Jasmine Mangampo; and Grade 10 top 1 Laurence Magdaong, also received a watch each from the senator.
He recalled how, during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte, RA 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law. This supported impoverished students by providing free education in local colleges, universities, and state-run technical vocational institutions. Building upon the successes of RA 10931, Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360 seeks to expand the Tertiary Education Subsidy coverage.