PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go lauded the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology in Digos City, Davao del Sur for providing quality education to Filipinos as it celebrates its 40th founding anniversary on Tuesday, February 8.

SPAMAST is a public college with the mission of providing higher education and vocational training in the domains of science, agriculture and industry, as well as short-term technological and vocational courses. It is also tasked to promote research in its areas of expertise, among others.

In a message as a keynote speaker, Go said that the milestone is a testament to the school’s hard-work and dedication to provide quality education to its students.

“I commend you for remaining steadfast throughout this pandemic, as you were able to perform your mandate while safeguarding the welfare of your students and faculty,” said Go.

“This proves that SPAMAST is determined to bring capable and quality graduates even as we adhere to the standards of the new normal,” he added.

Despite the threat of COVID-19, Go noted that SPAMAST has effectively carried out its mission on the four-pronged functions of education, research, extension and production.

Ending his message, the senator once again thanked the educational institution for continuing to contribute to the country’s progress and development by providing quality education.

“Kami po ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay nagpapasalamat sa mga institusyon na katulad ninyo na patuloy na nagtataguyod para sa pag-unlad ng ating mga mamamayan at ng ating bansa,” he said.

“Ipagpatuloy niyo lang po ang inyong serbisyong makapamahagi ng kalidad na edukasyon para sa ating mga mamamayan,” he concluded.

As an advocate for quality education in the country, Go is also pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 396 which seeks to expand the application of the Special Education Fund for payment of salaries and allowances of teaching and non-teaching personnel, among other purposes.

Go was also instrumental in the signing of Republic Act 11510 which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System and improves the delivery of basic education to the underserved and disadvantaged students. The senator was one of the co-authors of the measure which provides the support lacking for typically underrepresented students, such as indigenous students, students from less privileged backgrounds, and students with physical and learning disabilities. (OSBG)