Students benefit from the Bangsamoro Government’s classroom infrastructures across the region. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares for the school year (S.Y.) 2024-2025, the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) is anticipating a significant increase in enrollment across all levels.
This trend reflects a growing demand for quality education within the region.
According to Basic Education Director Johnny Balawag, the MBHTE expects to welcome a total of 1,100,838 students in the new academic year, encompassing private, public, and local universities and colleges (LUCs). This number surpasses the previous year’s enrollment of 1,079,253, demonstrating a positive trajectory in the BARMM’s educational landscape.
“We are surpassing our enrollment targets, indicating a positive trend in the region’s educational landscape,” said Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal.
The influx of students highlights the increasing importance placed on education within the BARMM.
The MBHTE, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, prioritizes education as a cornerstone of growth in the region. Their 12-point agenda specifically aims to achieve “quality and balanced education for all.”
To address the growing student population and enhance the learning environment, the Bangsamoro Government, through MBHTE, has made significant strides in recent years.
The Ministry has actively invested in school infrastructure, providing essential supplies, learning materials, and recently, thousands of armchairs for various schools throughout the region.
This includes the construction of approximately 700 new classrooms and the repair of 500 existing ones across the region.
These efforts, coupled with “BRIGADA Eskwela” initiatives ensuring well-maintained learning environments, aim to create a conducive atmosphere for the expected influx of students.
The MBHTE’s commitment extends beyond infrastructure and materials. They strive to offer equal opportunities for Bangsamoro learners in both academic and extracurricular activities, nurturing their holistic growth.
As the new school year approaches, the BARMM education sector is well-prepared to embrace a larger student population, reflecting a growing emphasis on education within the region.(Sittie Fairoudz Abullah/BIO)
