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COTABATO CITY — The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) has distributed essential educational supplies throughout the South Upi Division of Maguindano del Sur.
A total of 2,000 armchairs, 258 Teachers’ Kits, and 6,574 Learners’ Kits were turned over to educational institutions in South Upi.
Headed by Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, MBHTE is one of the 15 primary ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The distribution initiative on April 16 culminated in a program held at Timanan Central Elementary School (TCES).
Iqbal emphasized the importance of not just providing quality education, noting the complexities involved in its achievement. One the challenges is the necessity of ensuring peace and order, particularly in areas affected by conflict, which impedes access to education.
He also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in supporting the peace process in Mindanao, allowing for a safer space for the education of children.
Acknowledging the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in maintaining peace and order, Iqbal expressed appreciation for their efforts in safeguarding communities and enabling uninterrupted access to education.
The Ministry also underscored the vital connection between peace and order and the attainment of quality education, stating that both are integral to the region’s development.
Among those present and delivered messages of support to the MBHTE were Minister Melanio U. Ulama, Ministery of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA), Dir. Judith D. Caubalejo, Bureau of Indigenous Peoples Education, Reynalbert O. Insular, mayor of the Municipality of South Upi, LTC Guillemo T. Mabute, Jr. INF (GSC), Philippjne Army (PA) commanding officer, 57IB, 61D, PA, Warlito E. Bansigan IPMR, Province of Maguindanao Del Sur, Bai Norie Mamalinta, Acting SDS Maguindanao Del Sur.
Iqbal also thanked Insular for his support, recognizing the collaborative efforts between local government and education authorities in advancing educational initiatives across the district.
The distribution of educational supplies and collaborative efforts among government entities and local leaders reflect a collective commitment to ensuring access to quality education and enabling a conducive learning environment for the youth of South Upi.
Established in 2018 by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the Bangsamoro region is made up of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, as well as the Special Geographic Area’s (SGA) 63 barangays or villages that voted “Yes” in a plebiscite in February 2019 to be under the BARMM jurisdiction.
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. (✓)