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- EDD K. USMAN | Twitter: @edd1819 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 | Facebook: SDN — SciTech and Digital News
COTABATO CITY (SDN) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has emphasized what he described as “indispensable role” the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BARMM) plays in the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas”.
The President first promoted his vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) during a visit in Hawaii, Unites States, in November 2023.
He said the vision involves the participation of the individual and the community in order to achieve a just, lasting peace, and progress.
“Our commitment to close collaboration remains strong for just and lasting peace and prosperity, not only in Mindanao but throughout the nation,” the President through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) as he greeted and expressed solidarity in the 5th anniversary week-long celebration of the BARMM that kicked off on January 21.
Essentially, the President reaffirmed his support for the BARMM that was created in January 2019.
According to the Philippine Atlas BARMM has 4,404,288 people. It has 116 municipalities: Basilan, 11 municipalities; Lanao del Sur, 39; undivided Maguindanao, 36; Sulu, 19; and Tawi-Tawi, 11. Its component cities are Cotabato (the regional center and capital) in Maguindanao; Lamitan in Basilan; and Marawi in Lanao del Sur.
In a related vein, BARMM Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal described the founding of the autonomous region as “a monumental achievement”.
As the head of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), he has been at the forefront of the Bangsamoro region’s education reform. He wears many hats in the Mindanao peace process.
“Today marks a monumental milestone as we celebrate the 5th Founding Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This occasion is a testament to our enduring spirit and a reaffirmation of our commitment to the welfare and prosperity of the Bangsamoro people.
“Over the past five years, we have witnessed remarkable progress toward lasting peace and development. As Education Minister, I am profoundly aware of education’s critical role in shaping our future. Our dedication to improving the state of education in our region is unwavering. We believe that through education, we can cultivate a generation of enlightened and empowered individuals who will catalyze positive change,” Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator and chair of its Peace Implementing Panel.
Here’s his complete message:
“Assalamu’alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu.
Over the past five years, we have witnessed remarkable progress toward lasting peace and development. As Education Minister, I am profoundly aware of education’s critical role in shaping our future. Our dedication to improving the state of education in our region is unwavering. We believe that through education, we can cultivate a generation of enlightened and empowered individuals who will catalyze positive change.