SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go advised the graduates of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus in San Fernando City, La Union to never let the challenges in life dampen their spirit to pursue their dreams.

“Alam kong mahirap ang buhay estudyante. Pinagdaanan din namin ‘yan. Pero alam n’yo, magulang din ako. Kaya alam ko rin kung gaano ang sakripisyo na pinagdadaanan ng mga magulang ninyo. Gutom, utang — lahat ‘yan, tinitiyaga ng magulang ninyo para lamang matiyak na meron kayong pang-matrikula at pang-baon sa araw-araw,” Go empathized.

In light of these sacrifices, Go made a heartfelt request to the graduates, “Kaya ito naman sana ang hiling ko sa inyong mga mag-aaral: mamaya bago umuwi, kung pwede, yakapin o halikan ninyo ang mga magulang n’yo.”

Speaking to a crowd of over 700 attendees, including graduates, university officials, and guests, Go emphasized the importance of service and gratitude — the greatest nugget of wisdom he learned from his mentor former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Basta gawin mo lang ang tama. Do what is right. Lagi mong isaalang-alang ang kapwa mo, lalo na ang mga mahihirap na nangangailangan ng pagmamalasakit. Huwag ninyo ako pasalamatan… Ako po ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo. Dahil binigyan ninyo po ako ng pagkakataong maka-serbisyo sa inyo. Ginagawa ko lamang po ang trabaho na mandato ninyo sa akin,” he stated.

He used this guiding principle to motivate the graduates, suggesting that one of them might one day become a senator or even to a higher office.

Through Go’s initiatives, significant developments relevant to the university came to fruition.

He co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11978, which established the South La Union Campus College of Medicine at DMMMSU.

Moreover, Go was also instrumental in securing PhP281 million in the 2022 General Appropriations Act for this new college, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing healthcare education and accessibility in La Union.