Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal leads the awarding ceremony for youth achievers in sports, academe, and faith on Sept. 12, 2024, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Cotabato City. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—After bagging medals in the fields of sports, academe, and faith, young Bangsamoro achievers rejoice with pride as Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal honored them for dedication and hard work on Sept. 12, 2024 held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in this city.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) brought home 18 medals with six gold, five silver, and seven bronze during the Palarong Pambasa 2024 in Cebu City.
Minister Iqbal said that the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) is immensely proud of their accomplishments, recognizing their success as a shining example of dedication and excellence in their respective field.
“To continuously acknowledge and support our young Bangsamoro athletes, the Bangsamoro government allotted more funds in collaboration with the Member of the Parliaments,” Iqbal said.
The minister also assured them of his full support and expressed hopes for more young athletes from the region. He encourages young people to develop and enhance their various skills required to take an active and constructive role in current and future generations.
“I encourage young people to continue striving and enhance various skills required to take an active and constructive role in current and future generation. I know that it’s never been easy in achieving this kind of milestone,” he emphasized.
Among the standout athletes were Joeharry Bones from Cotabato City, who won gold in Taekwondo Kyurogi, and Jamal Rahmat Pandi from Lanao del Sur I, who secured gold in Badminton Singles.
They were accompanied by Muhammad Keyan Sarip of Marawi City, who earned a silver medal in Tennis Singles, and Princess Malaya Morante, Shiamira Sabirin, and Abbigail Torres of Lamitan City, who brought home a bronze medal in Arnis.
In addition to their individual successes, BARMM athletes also excelled in the Paragames, winning four gold, four silver, and three bronze medals. Al-Fhar Adtig claimed gold in the Boys Long Jump and bronze in both the 200-meter and 100-meter dashes.
John Rey Bonoan won gold in the 50-meter Butterfly Swimming and silver in the 50-meter Backstroke and Breaststroke.
Other notable para-athletes, including Hamen Abpa, Ruto Lawan, and Abu Huda Sampong, received recognition for their achievements, with Hamen Abpa also securing a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter Relay Youth category.
The ceremony also honored top performers in academics and faith, including Rustom Lamosao from Notre Dame University, who ranked 10th in the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination, and Norjannah Tanoga from Mindanao State University, who ranked 7th.
Additionally, Al-Hafidh Muzaher Suweb Bito was recognized for placing 2nd in the 44th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Qur’an.
Joeharry Bones, a Grade 12 student who brought home a gold medal, shared his inspirational experience, emphasizing the importance of sports and teamwork.
“It’s not easy to win in the athletic field, but with perseverance, determination, and more practice, we can achieve our dreams with strong support from coaches and the government,” Bones said.
This national multi-sport competition was participated in by 17 regional athletic associations under the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Schools Overseas, and the National Academy of Sports. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
