Press Release - Bong Go advocates for increased salaries for government workers, increased support for Filipino teachers and budgetary support for NAS

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, during the Senate plenary deliberation for the Department of Education's (DepEd) 2024 budget on Thursday, November 9, expressed his support for the proposed increase in salaries of government workers, while also advocating for improved compensation and benefits for teachers, as well as budgetary support for the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac among others.

Go recalled that DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman mentioned during the Development Budget Coordination Committee hearing and during plenary interpellations, there is around P17 Billion already earmarked for Salary Standardization Law 6 in the proposed 2024 budget. With this, government workers may hopefully expect increases in salary next year.

"Sana po ay matuloy ito at isa po ako sa magsusulong nito at kasama po dito ang ating mga teachers," he expressed.

The senator also called upon DepEd to advocate for improved compensation and benefits for teachers, acknowledging their extraordinary dedication and invaluable contribution to shaping the future of the nation.

"Pag-aralan po natin kung anong benepisyo pa ang dapat ibigay sa ating mga guro bukod pa sa kanilang suweldo," he said.

"It is therefore incumbent upon us to recognize their devotion," he added.

Go also drew attention to the proposed budget for the NAS, underscoring its significance in fostering young athletic talent alongside secondary education.

Republic Act No. 11470, which mandated the establishment of the NAS in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, was enacted during the 18th Congress. Go significantly contributed as a main author and co-sponsor of the law, alongside Senators Pia Cayetano, Sonny Angara, and Win Gatchalian who principally sponsored the measure. The NAS was created to provide promising student-athletes with access to top-tier sports amenities and educational prospects.

Go emphasized the unique educational model of the NAS, which allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously without compromising either responsibility.

"Dito po sa NAS, pwede po silang mag-aral yung mga atleta at the same time mag-training, pwede po silang mag-training at the same time mag-aral,