SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go prodded the youth to strive for academic excellence as he reaffirmed his commitment to help improve the country’s education sector.

“Priority rin po ang education. Alam n’yo, diyan po manggagaling ang lahat. Pinaka-basic natin kumbaga,” Go said.

“Parati kong ine-engganyo ang kabataan, mag-aral kayong mabuti, kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito. At iyan po ang puhunan natin. Dala-dala na po natin ‘yan habambuhay, ang edukasyon. Kaya dapat din tutukan natin ang edukasyon,” he added.

The senator pledged his unwavering support for educational initiatives, adding that education should always be given budgetary priority.

In line with his vision to improve the education system in the country, Go filed Senate Bill 1864 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act.

The measure seeks to defer student loan collection for a reasonable period during and after disasters or emergencies.

Go also introduced Senate Bill 1190, which aims to broaden the purposes and applications of the Special Education Fund.

Under this bill, the SEF could be used for the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, competency training for teaching personnel, operation of the Alternative Learning System and educational research, among others.