Photo from MBHTE
TAWI-TAWI/SULU—In a bid to enhance the education system, substantial progress has been made through the construction of new school buildings in these provinces.
The region’s Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal led groundbreaking ceremonies for these transformative projects on May 12 and 15, 2023 at the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) of both provinces.
With a total contract budget of Php64,835,583.38, these infrastructure initiatives, facilitated by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education’s Education Facilities Section (MBHTE-EFS), are set to benefit Bangsamoro learners, educators, and faculty members, among others.
Iqbal emphasized the paramount importance of providing accessible and high-quality education for the Bangsamoro community.
“As the preparation for the groundwork for a new facility begins, it should also be understood that we are not only preparing for the construction of a building but also a new chapter of providing accessible, safe, and quality facilities for all,” Iqbal said.
With a resolute commitment to the ministry’s mission of ensuring “no Bangsamoro learner is left behind”, Iqbal, also serving as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Implementing Panel Chair, affirmed that these projects embody the government’s dedication to transparency and the observance of Moral Governance.
Funded through the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2021 and the Government Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2022, a total of thirteen buildings are being constructed—nine buildings worth Php44,772,320.71 for the Sulu SDO, and four buildings worth Php20,063,262.67 for the Tawi-Tawi SDO.
In the Sulu SDO, the construction includes one-story, two-classroom buildings in various schools, such as Panglima Agga Central School in Old Panamao, Hj. Hassan Idon Elementary School in Talipao, Kaumpang Gilingan Elementary School in Pangutaran, Lahnagan Primary School in Pangutaran, Pangdan Elementary School in Tapul, Buan Elementary School in Siasi, Likud Primary School in Pata, Kahoy Sinah in Parang, and Mudjunun Elementary School in Patikul.
Similarly, infra-projects in Taw-Tawi SDO will be built in Kepeng Elementary School, Tandubas, Buton Primary School, Tandubas, Kepeng Elementary School – Annex, Tandubas, and Hji. Yahiya Biste Elementary School, Bongao.
The Ministry has also handed over a two-story, ten-classroom school building project at Hadji Buto School of Arts and Trades (HBSAT) in the province of Sulu.
This project, which was subsidized under the 2020 Bangsamoro Appropriations Act, further underscores the commitment of the BARMM’s Education Ministry to provide the best and safest learning facilities while effectively utilizing public funds.
The construction and repair of school buildings and facilities across the 11 schools divisions in BARMM, including higher education institutions and TESD training centers, result from the continuous monitoring and evaluation efforts of the MBHTE-EFS.
It aims to identify infrastructure needs and ensure the betterment of educational experiences of learners at all levels. (Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged/Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
