Press Release - Bong Go inspires graduates at DMMMSU-MLUC in San Fernando City, La Union; urges them to pursue their dreams for the betterment of the country

"Unahin mo ang pagseserbisyo sa kapwa at hinding hindi ka magkakamali!"

These were the words that echoed through the halls of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC) in San Fernando City, La Union on the morning of Tuesday, June 25.

The resounding advice came from a legislator all too familiar with the challenges of guiding the youth towards a better future. The Guest of Honor and speaker, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, is no stranger to the struggles of guiding the younger generation nor to the pride that every parent in attendance felt.

"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, tini-tiyaga 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. Go reminded the graduates that life's bigger challenges are coming but these should never dampen the spirit to pursue their dreams.

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