Friday, December 06, 2024

Education Minister Iqbal Highlights MBHTE Achievements at the 2nd Bangsamoro Education Summit

 


From theWebsite of MILF




Education Minister Iqbal Highlights MBHTE Achievements at the 2nd Bangsamoro Education Summit

Davao City – November 29, 2024 – Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal showcased the significant achievements of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) during the 2nd Bangsamoro Education Summit, held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City on November 28-29, 2024. 

The summit, themed “One MBHTE: Advancing Access, Equity, and Excellence in All Bangsamoro Learning Modalities,” focused on the region's strides in providing quality education, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the success of all Bangsamoro learners.

In his State of Education Address, Minister Iqbal stressed the importance of collective effort in achieving educational success. He remarked, “The success of education in BARMM rests on our ability to unite our efforts—public servants, educators, development partners, parents, and learners alike. Our goal is clear: to build an inclusive, equitable, and excellent education system that leaves no learner behind.” He highlighted the impressive progress made in expanding access to education, particularly in marginalized and geographically isolated communities.

Iqbal reported that over 1.1 million students were enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year, with initiatives like Brigada Eskwela and OPLAN Balik Eskwela playing a key role in this achievement. A remarkable 83% of these students are enrolled in public schools, while 11.5% are in private institutions. “Through Brigada Eskwela and OPLAN Balik Eskwela, we encouraged parents of 1,102,914 K-12 and alternative learning students to continue their education journey for 2023 to 2024,” he added.

He also emphasized the success of the Abot Kaalaman sa Pamilyang Bangsamoro (AKAP) program, which has expanded to 131 barangays in 2024, benefiting 7,676 learners in remote areas across Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and other regions. The summit also celebrated the rise in higher education enrollment in BARMM, with 82,822 students currently attending private higher education institutions (PHEIs). The region has 126 higher education institutions (HEIs), and the MBHTE is working to provide these students with the necessary tools to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.

In Madaris education, Minister Iqbal disclosed the Ministry hired 5,959 ISAL teachers (Asatidz) in public schools throughout BARMM and is also developing the ISAL curriculum through the Directorate for Madaris Education. 

The summit also spotlighted the Ministry’s teacher development efforts, with programs such as the Para-Teacher Training Program, which has provided professional development to over 574 para-teachers, improving instructional quality and student outcomes. Additionally, 5,000 teachers across the region have undergone training in socio-emotional learning (SEL), which is vital for fostering resilience, empathy, and a growth mindset among students.

Regarding infrastructure, Iqbal shared that 67% of the 1,178 new classrooms are under construction, with 852 classrooms out of 1,124 already repaired. He also provided an overview of the infrastructure allocations for FY 2024, with significant investments in various provinces, including Lanao del Sur (PHP 228,674,649), Maguindanao del Norte (PHP 223,801,150), and Sulu (PHP 131,191,788).

In relation to Indigenous Peoples (IP) education, the Minister explained that the MBHTE conducted teacher training programs focusing on integrating local culture and values into lessons. These efforts are complemented by dialogue with IP leaders to ensure that education aligns with IP traditions and fosters community support. Iqbal emphasized that Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) principles are being integrated into schools across the region.

“I believe that contextualized education is at the heart of autonomy. It allows the Bangsamoro to define their educational priorities, uphold their values, and create a system that embodies their aspirations,” he underscored.

Minister Iqbal also highlighted the Ministry’s scholarship and financial assistance programs. The Access to Higher and Modern Education (AHME) Scholarship Program, which supported 4,200 students in FY 2023 with PHP 60,000 annually, and the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program for Technical Vocational Education and Training (BSPTVET), which supported 13,955 enrollees with a 100% completion rate in 2023, were among the initiatives discussed. Additionally, PHP 131,580,000 was allocated in 2023 for the Madrasah curriculum, benefiting 26,316 learners.

Minister Iqbal further outlined the Ministry's personnel growth, with 4,962 newly hired permanent employees in 2024, including 4,228 teachers and 734 non-teaching staff. This brings the total number of itemized positions within the Ministry to 39,793. The Minister also highlighted the region's 100% compliance rate with TESDA’s industry standards for all registered programs in 2023. Technical education remains a priority, with over 20,000 enrollees in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and tourism, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the skills necessary for workforce participation.

The summit’s discussions on equity and excellence reflected the MBHTE's unwavering commitment to addressing educational inequalities and ensuring that all Bangsamoro learners have access to high-quality education. The recruitment of new employees, including over 4,962 teachers, is part of a broader strategy to uphold educational standards throughout the region.

The MBHTE’s work in enhancing the quality of education through infrastructure development, teacher training, and financial support was seen as a crucial step toward fulfilling the Bangsamoro region's vision for peace, progress, and sustainability. As the summit concluded, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and unified education system that mirrors the values of Moral Governance, transparency, and inclusivity, paving the way for a brighter future for the Bangsamoro people.




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