In a video call, Go extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, encouraging them to use their education not only for personal and family advancement but also as a tool to contribute to the continued progress of Basilan and the nation.
“Sa inyong mga graduates, tandaan ninyo, hindi nagtatapos ang laban dito. Ito pa lang ang simula. May ilan sa inyo ang magpapatuloy sa kolehiyo, may ilan ang magtatrabaho, may ilan ang tutulong sa pamilya. Iba-iba ang landas ninyo, pero iisa ang mahalaga, magpatuloy kayo,” he said.
The senator also paid tribute to the parents, recognizing their sacrifices and unwavering support in helping their children reach this milestone.
“To the parents, kayo po ang tunay na bayani sa likod ng tagumpay ng inyong mga anak. Kayo ang gumigising nang maaga, nagsasakripisyo, at patuloy na nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa kanila. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs,” he shared.
He continued, “Ako po mismo, I’m a parent po. Nag-graduate rin yung anak ko 2024, siya po yung class valedictorian ng Ateneo School of Law. Abogado na siya sa Maynila. 26 years old na siya noong 2024. And then, CPA siya, College of Accountancy at Summa Cum Laude siya noong 2019 at Top 3 siya sa board ng CPA. So CPA Lawyer na po siya ngayon at siya po yung vice mayor ngayon ng Lupon, Davao Oriental.”
Go likewise expressed his admiration for the teachers and staff of BNHS, acknowledging their dedication in shaping the youth despite various challenges. “Sa mga guro at staff ng BNHS, saludo po ako sa inyo. Hindi madali ang magturo. Hindi madali ang maghubog ng kabataan. Pero araw-araw ninyo itong ginagawa—kahit kulang sa resources, kahit mahirap ang sitwasyon. Hindi po biro ang ginagawa ninyo.”
As a member of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, the senator reaffirmed his advocacy for accessible, inclusive, and quality education, underscoring that it remains one of the strongest pillars for national development.
Go, who previously helped fight for the enactment of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act during his time as Special Assistant to the President, continues to champion accessible education in the Senate. He has filed a bill in the 20th Congress that seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10931 to further expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), ensuring that more deserving students—especially those from low-income families—can pursue higher education without financial burden.
The passage of RA 12077, also known as the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, underscores Senator Go's dedication to upholding the dignity of Filipinos in times of crisis. As a co-sponsor and co-author of the law, he has helped ensure that students with existing loans receive temporary financial relief during emergencies and calamities.
Senator Go earlier co-authored and co-sponsored RA 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to improve basic education delivery to underserved and disadvantaged students; RA 11984, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act”, which prohibits educational institutions from denying students the right to take exams due to unpaid fees; RA 12006 or the “Free College Entrance Examinations Act”, waiving entrance exam fees at private higher educational institutions for qualified top students; as well as RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which increases the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.
Concluding his message, Go underscored the enduring value of compassion and service: "Pero higit sa lahat ng batas at programa, may isang bagay na hindi dapat mawala sa inyo—ang malasakit. Dapat laging may malasakit, pagmamahal, at serbisyo sa lipunan at sa kapwa. Success is not just about what you achieve—it is about how many people you help along the way.”