The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2) and the Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), sign a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) at Bajau Hall, Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC), Cotabato City, on July 8, 2024. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2) of the national government are joining forces to improve the quality of education in the region.
This transpired on Monday during the initial consultative meeting between the parties at the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) building inside the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in this city.
Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, the Co-Chairperson of the EDCOM2, reiterated that the congressional commission is one with the BARMM Government in addressing the education challenges for the overall improvement of the region and the Philippines.
“The development of a country is not complete if at least a region, province, or local government unit is left behind,” said Gatchalian, highlighting the EDCOM2’s steadfast commitment to cater to the needs of education, together with the Bangsamoro Government.
Under Republic Act No. 11899, EDCOM2 is vested with the power to undertake a comprehensive national assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector to recommend transformative, concrete, and targeted reforms in the sector to make the Philippines globally competitive in both the education and labor markets.
Executive Director Karol Mark Yee of EDCOM2 mentioned that coordination with the Commission is beneficial to identify the leading causes of education difficulties in the BARMM and eventually aid these situations.
Likewise, Gatchalian stated that the results of analyzing and studying problems encountered in the region’s education system will be raised with the National Government to subsequently arrive at sustainable solutions.
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal stressed that the parties’ collaboration is the “only way” to effectively address critical priority areas in education.
“These include contextualizing our curriculum to reflect the unique cultural and historical background of the Bangsamoro, comprehensive teacher development programs, effective school-based management, and the provision of adequate school facilities and learning materials,” Iqbal emphasized.
The Minister added that he looks forward to exchanging innovative ideas and implementing strategies with the EDCOM2.
Further, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim expressed his support for reforming education at large in the BARMM through approaches that will halt the systematic and structural issues in the sector.
Improving access to quality and holistic education through strengthening the education system across the autonomous region is the ninth priority agenda of CM Ebrahim. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
