SENATOR Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go expressed alarm over reports of suicide and depression among the youth and urged religious and civic groups to help address this issue.

“As we mark the 28th anniversary  of the National Children’s Month, let us engage with one another to look at the growing concerns surrounding our children’s rights and welfare amid the pandemic,” he said.

The senator said that the involvement of the religious sector and civil society might help create a more holistic solution in preventing suicides.

Go also showed concern for families struggling to provide for their children’s education.

“Alam ko po sa magulang, apektado rin po kayo dahil sa hirap ng buhay. Hindi lahat ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon para magkaroon ang bawat anak ninyo ng computer gadgets para sa blended learning,” he said.

“Alam ko pong hirap ang ating mga kabataan na mag-adjust sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pag-aaral. Karamihan pa nga ay walang access sa internet o talagang walang pambili ng mga tablets o computer,” he added.

The senator distributed tablets to students from the most vulnerable families.

The Council for the Welfare of Children, in partnership with Go’s office, had since October distributed 500 tablets to beneficiaries in Caloocan City and selected institutions in Quezon City.

“Handa po akong magserbisyo at tulungan po kayo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Pero magtulungan din po tayo dahil hindi ito kakayanin lang ng ating gobyerno. Kailangan namin ang bayanihan at pagmamalasakit ninyo sa kapwa upang malampasan natin ang mga pagsubok na ito,” Go said.

He assured students that he and President Rodrigo Duterte will always prioritize their welfare amid the pandemic.

The senator urged students to study hard without neglecting their health.

“Sa mga bata, gawin ninyo ang lahat upang mapasaya ang inyong mga magulang, sikapin ninyong magtapos dahil mahalaga ang edukasyon upang maiangat ninyo ang inyong mga buhay,” he said.

“Magsikap po kayong mag-aral kahit nasa krisis tayo dahil ang edukasyon ang tanging puhunan ninyo sa mundong ito. Pero, at the same time, huwag ninyo pabayaan ang kalusugan dahil importante ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.