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BI-SMILLĀHI R-RAḤMĀNI R-RAḤĪM
Asalaamu alaikum warakmatulahi taala wa barakatuh!
It is my privilege to congratulate all Bangsamoro students and learners for completing School Year 2020 to 2021. I know this accomplishment is particularly significant due to various teaching and learning challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, I commend you not only for your commitment to learn and realize your academic goals but also for defying the odds.
Graduations, commencement exercises, and moving-up ceremonies are essential and memorable rites of passage for any student. However, these events do not have to be ostentatious, especially in our current situation. What is vital is allowing families and the school community to recognize our learners. Calling each student’s name is a way for any educational institution to honor them personally and provide room for genuine emotion as parents offer thanks and join their children in the celebration. We hope that the accolades will inspire our students to strive harder in their next journey, whether it is a higher grade or the beginning of a career.
My dear graduates, we in the Ministry could never be prouder for your tenacity, resourcefulness, and courage. If your next chapter is beyond the school walls, I will not deny that you will confront situations in the “real world” that are harder than your homework or class projects. Do not be frustrated if you do not realize your career plans immediately after graduation. It takes time to build a career. Life is not a race; it is a journey that one must tread sensibly. In this journey, you will meet people who will either motivate you or potentially question your capabilities. Do not fret if it is the latter — exemplify professionalism and focus on putting integrity in your work. You can assert your principles but in a respectful manner. It is also imperative to continue broadening your horizons and gain new knowledge. Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said, “seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” It means to keep learning since it would allow you to identify new opportunities for yourself and the greater good.
For our learners who still have a long way to go, rest assured that the Ministry will prioritize your well-being. I want to reiterate that the MBHTE is committed to improving the quality of education in the Bangsamoro, ensuring it responds to our people’s needs, ideals, and aspirations. Now that the BTA Parliament has approved the Education Code, we will work towards an educational system that prioritizes our young people’s intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual development and prepares them to become future leaders and professionals of this nation. To achieve this, we will ensure that our educational system consists of a relevant, balanced, and inclusive academic curriculum or skills training program, proper and safe school facilities, and quality teachers and education managers.
Before I end my graduation message, I want to recognize school division superintendents and their staff, school administrators, professors, instructors, and all educators for relentlessly imparting relevant skills to our students and help them reach their potential. Lastly, I would like to commend the parents for investing in their children’s future by sending them to school. With your cooperation, trust, and confidence, we provide our young people and the next generation an equitable start that is beneficial for them and leads to better economic and social outcomes for their families and communities.
Despite the short period, I believe change has come to the BARMM, Insha’ Allah, strengthened by our resolve and pledge to Moral Governance. Despite the challenges we need to overcome, I believe we can implement significant reforms for sustainable peace, justice, and development for the Bangsamoro. One of the critical areas is ensuring no child is left behind through education.
Again, congratulations to our graduates and Wasalam!
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