Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-ZUv
COTABATO CITY, June 2, 2026 — Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua convened on Monday, June 1, officials of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) aimed, among others, at ensuring a seamless continuity of the education agency’s programs and operations.
Macacua presently sits as concurrent minister of the MBHTE, one of the 15 primary ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He convened the meeting following the leadership transition and his assumption of the mantle of the education ministry.
In his own post and update on his social media, the Chief Minister reported on the meeting with the education officials.
“This afternoon, I chaired a meeting with MBHTE officers and key staff to ensure smooth continuation of the Ministry’s programs, operations, and priorities. Ever since my tenure as Chief Minister, my directive is clear: delay is prohibited in all offices and agencies of the Bangsamoro Government in our administration,” he emphasized.
“That’s why I have entrusted everyone with my duty to ensure that all MBHTE employees receive their due salaries as soon as possible. Through unity, we will continue to strengthen the education sector for the benefit of every Bangsamoro learner. Because education is the foundation of a #StrongerBangsamoro.”
Reports from the MBHTE said the meeting focused on key administrative matters, including personnel assignments and designations, authorized signatories, upcoming activities, and other operational priorities.
As the country’s millions of students and learners are soon to report to their classes, they also discussed preparations for the annual Brigada Eskwela and the opening of School Year 2026-2027.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Macacua directed concerned officials to prevent delays in government services and expedite the release of salaries and benefits of MBHTE employees.
He likewise emphasized unity, accountability, and efficient public service to further strengthen the education sector and enhance learning outcomes for Bangsamoro learners.
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 (SGA) with eight municipalities in North Cotabato but under 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. — EDD K. USMAN based on reports from Office of the Chief Minister (✓)