BARMM educators gather at the 1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Summit Conference on January 29, 2024 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Cotabato City. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro educators, policymakers, and community leaders are about to explore more innovative approaches to foster a more peaceful region through peace education.
This was after they convened on January 29, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in this city to discuss various ways of promoting peace education tailored for the needs and aspirations of Bangsamoro learners during the 1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Summit.
Bangsamoro’s Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) led the activity, through its Office of the Cotabato City School Division, to promote peace education fostering a culture of non-violence, social justice, and respect for human rights, freedom, and inclusivity.
Bearing the theme “Peace and Justice Education for the Needs and Aspirations of Learners,” the shared knowledge will be used inside the classrooms, impacting the hearts and minds of Bangsamoro learners to create positive change.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal shared that the ministry is consistently pursuing peace education, emphasizing that it aligns with the ministry’s mandate, ensuring learners’ right to access quality education that is relevant and responsive to their needs.
“I personally advocated Peace Education to be incorporated into our curricula. There is no doubt that education plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and justice,” said Minister Iqbal.
MBHTE, in collaboration with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HPWL) Philippines, contextualized Peace Education for Mindanao, in which teachers developed lesson plans for each level of education based on Department of Education (DepEd) guidelines on values such as diversity, harmony, living together, respect, and understanding.
Once the contextualization of the peace education materials is complete, the MBHTE regional office will conduct provincial-wide consultations to generate insights for all schools divisions in BARMM.
During the summit, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL John Rommel Garces presented their overview of peace education initiatives that will benefit Bangsamoro teachers and learners in the region.
Meanwhile, Cotabato City Schools Department Head Dr. Conception Balawag, CESO V, emphasized that this action will require active participation, personal dedication, and the desire to contribute to a peaceful and cooperative learning environment and society.
“Instead of simply hoping for peace, we are encouraged to embrace it through our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others,” Balawag added.
Balawag also mentioned that the Government of the Day has always remained true to its noble intention of not only providing and maintaining equal programs, activities, and services but also the equitable needs of teachers and learners across the region.
“As Bangsamoro education leaders, let us embody the commitment to achieve peace sincerely and together have a common mind, making education a powerful weapon to wage war against ignorance for our Bangsamoro education leaders, teachers, and learners,” she added. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
