“The claim that residents of Lanao del Sur are treated as second-class citizens is unequivocally false. Since the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 2019, the MBHTE has been committed to the inclusive development of all its schools division offices.”
— MBHTE
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COTABATO CITY (SDN) — The Bangsamoro government through the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) took exceptions to the allegations made on the hiring of teachers.
The MBHTE has issued a formal statement in response to allegations that a mayor in one of Lanao del Sur’s local government units (LGUs) voiced out.
Among others, the MBHTE headed by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal called for “constructive dialogue”.
The MBHTE seems to have taken the high road, instead of answering back with harsh words, explaining the process of hiring teachers in the region.
“We encourage constructive dialogue and collaboration with local government officials to address concerns and work towards our common goal of enhancing the quality of education in the region,” the MBHTE says.
One of the 15 primary ministries of the BARMM, the MBHTE has assured its commitment to being “open to engagement and transparent communication with all stakeholders.”
At the same time, the Bangsamoro education ministry emphasizes that it strictly follows “structured and equitable process in the allocation and hiring of teachers.”
“It is important to note that there are a limited number of teaching positions available, which is determined by item allocation constraints. Despite the high number of qualified applicants, the MBHTE ensures a fair selection process aimed at meeting the educational needs of the region while working within these limitations,” the MBHTE points out.
Following is the full statement of the MBHTE:
Statement from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education
“In light of the recent accusations made by Mayor Raida Maglangit of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur, regarding the alleged unhiring of teachers and the purported treatment of residents as second-class citizens, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) would like to address these concerns and provide clarifications:
“Teacher Allocation and Hiring Process: The MBHTE adheres to a structured and equitable process in the allocation and hiring of teachers. It is important to note that there are a limited number of teaching positions available, which is determined by item allocation constraints. Despite the high number of qualified applicants, the MBHTE ensures a fair selection process aimed at meeting the educational needs of the region while working within these limitations. MBHTE strictly abide with the rules set by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as provided under Omnibus Rules on Appointment and Other Human Resource Action (ORAOHRA). In view of this, selection and appointment processes are based on merit and competitiveness and not based on recommendation. Hence, it is a result of these structural constraints and not an act of discrimination or negligence. This principle is also in consonance with the BARMM’s policy on Moral Governance.
“Equal Treatment of Residents: The claim that residents of Lanao del Sur are treated as second-class citizens is unequivocally false. Since the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 2019, the MBHTE has been committed to the inclusive development of all its schools division offices. We prioritize the welfare and development of learners and the teaching workforce, ensuring equal opportunities and support across the board. Any suggestion to the contrary undermines the significant efforts and progress made in promoting education and equality in the Bangsamoro region.
“Commitment to Education and Workforce Development: The MBHTE remains dedicated to improving educational outcomes and supporting our educators. We continuously work to create an environment where both students and teachers can thrive. Our efforts are geared towards building a robust educational system that benefits everyone in the Bangsamoro region, including Lanao del Sur.
“We encourage constructive dialogue and collaboration with local government officials to address concerns and work towards our common goal of enhancing the quality of education in the region.
“The MBHTE remains open to engagement and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
“Living in this Region, we can continue to thrive and be strong as One Bangsamoro in the midst of this socio-political diversity.”
Component areas of Bangsamoro region
The Bangsamoro region, established in 2018 by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), 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. With the recent plebiscite at SGA, the BARMM now has eight new municipalities as residents voted “Yes”.
According to the Philippine Atlas BARMM has 4,404,288 people. It has 116 municipalities (plus eight newly established under the SGA: 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. (✓)