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COTABATO CITY, July 23, 2026 — Bangsamoro education and skills development have received a jolt of assistance from the National Government during the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on July 20.
The President turned over ₱883 million to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) headed by Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua as a highlight of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Convergence Activity held on Monday at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army (PA), Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Marcos handed to Macacua a huge facsimile check denoting the amount of the financial infusion that would be utilized through the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), one of the 15 primary ministries of the Bangsamoro government.
Aimed at strengthening and raising the quality of education, the amount will cover the educational assistance and skills development support region-wide for learners, teachers, and scholars of the BARMM being handled by the MBHTE concurrently headed by the Chief Minister.
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, and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, and the Special Geographic Area (SGA) with eight municipalities.
National leaders including Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Jr. as well as regional leaders joined the activities at Camp Siongco as they unfolded the initiative that’s aimed to expand access to quality education, strengthen support for educators, and provide skills training opportunities for Bangsamoro learners and scholars.
The convergence activity highlighted the continuing partnership between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government in improving access to education and expanding skills training opportunities across Bangsamoro communities.
In his message, Macacua emphasized that investments in education and human capital remain essential to building a stronger and more resilient Bangsamoro.
“These are not merely government projects; they are investments in the dignity and future of every Bangsamoro family,” he said.
A major highlight of the event was the ceremonial turnover of Learners’ Kits worth ₱308,870,655 and Teachers’ Kits valued at ₱86,997,353.71, benefiting schools throughout BARMM.
Learner beneficiary Amaya Kalima Acob Usman received the Learners’ Kits, while teacher beneficiary Grace Dorado Buagas accepted the Teachers’ Kits on behalf of educators across the region.
The assistance aims to provide students with essential learning materials while equipping teachers with resources to strengthen classroom instruction and improve learning outcomes.
Another key component of the program was the awarding of Bangsamoro Scholarship Program for Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) amounting to ₱487,377,549.39.
Salahudin Omar Daud received the assistance on behalf of the scholars. The fund will help cover training-related expenses and support scholars in acquiring technical competencies that will enhance their employability and expand their career opportunities.
Marcos likewise emphasized the transformative role of education and skills training in empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and to realize their fullest potential,” the President emphasized.
He underscored that investments in education empower individuals to improve their lives, uplift their families, and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The convergence activity demonstrated the strong collaboration between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government in delivering programs and services to the Bangsamoro people.
Through sustained investments in education and skills development, both governments continue to create greater opportunities for learners, teachers, and scholars while advancing the vision of a Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.
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 from BARMM Media report (✓)