SENATOR Christopher Go lauded the signing into law of a measure that defers student loan payments during calamities and emergencies, describing it as a crucial step toward providing Filipino students with equitable access to education.

Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, aims to ease financial burdens on students and their families during challenging times. Go co-sponsored and co-authored the Senate version of the measure.

“This law ensures that our students are allowed to continue their education even in the face of adversity. Napakahalaga na maibsan ang kanilang pinapasan na problema, lalo na sa panahon ng krisis,” Go said.

He emphasized that education remains a critical investment for the nation’s future, noting, “Alam natin na education is an investment in one’s future. With this law, masisiguro nating hindi magiging hadlang ang krisis sa pagkamit ng pangarap ng ating mga kabataan.”

The legislation provides a moratorium on student loan payments, applicable to those residing in areas declared under a State of Calamity or Emergency. It covers loans for both higher education and technical-vocational education, ensuring continuity in learning despite financial constraints.

“Hindi na biro ang hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan. Sunod-sunod na bagyo, baha, at kawalang katiyakan sa kinabukasan. Hindi natin hahayaang maging dagdag-pasanin pa ang student loans sa gitna ng ganitong kalamidad,” Go said.

The law promises to deliver urgent financial relief by suspending student loan payments during and after disasters, allowing students and families to rebuild their lives.

“Ang tanong marahil ng maraming kabataang mag-aaral: Dapang dapa kami sa delubyo, paano na ang student loan ko?” Go said.

“Kaya natin isinulong ang Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Law para naman mabigyan ng palugit ang mga estudyanteng may pagkakautang pero hindi makabayad dahil tinamaan ng kalamidad at iba pang sakuna,” he added.

Go stressed that the need for loans to continue studies shows students’ determination to finish their education. This determination, he said, should be acknowledged and supported rather than burdened.

“Bigyan natin ng sapat na pagkakataon ang kabataan na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral dahil sila ang pag-asa at future leaders ng ating bayan. Hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan para marating ang kanilang mga pangarap,” he said.