Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-Y9A
TANDUBAS, Tawi-Tawi — In a celebration of academic achievement, Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) led the 1st Joint Graduation Exercises held today, April 2, at the Tandubas Covered Court in Tandubas Municipality, where a total of 262 learners successfully completed their elementary education for School Year 2025–2026.
The completers came from Kepeng Elementary School, Panglima Biteng Central Elementary School, and Hadji Abbas Jawad Elementary School. The joint ceremony underscored the collective efforts of the education sector in fostering unity and excellence among learners in the municipality.
In his message, Minister Iqbal commended the graduates for their perseverance, resilience, and dedication to their studies despite various challenges.
Drawing from a recent shared experience, the Minister likened the learners’ journey to navigating rough seas.
“If we reflect on it, what we experienced yesterday at sea is similar to your journey as learners. Sometimes the path is rough, sometimes it is frightening, and sometimes you feel like giving up. But you chose to move forward. And now, you are here — successful,” he said.
The Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening education across the region, ensuring that every learner has access to quality opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Ummat National High School (UNHS) in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, conducted on March 31 its 11th Moving Up and 5th Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2026.
Minister Iqbal also attended the ceremony as his presence underscored MBHTE’s commitment to educational excellence.
In his keynote address, the MBHTE chief reminded the graduates that in BARMM, education is a powerful instrument for lasting peace.
“In continuing your journey, remember to uphold the highest value of responsibility, solidarity and compassion. Let your knowledge and skills lead you in creating a prosperous and peaceful Bangsamoro. Inspire others with your actions, dedication and commitment to supporting your families, schools and communities,” he said.
With the successful culmination of School Year 2025-2026, the UNHS reaffirms its steadfast dedication to shaping learners who embody excellence, integrity, and resilience, equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
The Bangsamoro region, established in 2018 by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to implement the 2014 CAB, is made up of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, as well as the Special Geographic Area’s (SGA) 63 barangays or villages — now eight new municipalities — 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. (✓)