THE Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Friday, September 15, 2023, reported a significant 17 percent increase in enrollment for school year 2023-2024 in the region.
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said data showed that for school year 2023-2024, 1,258,253 students have enrolled in various public schools, including government-run Madaris (Islamic schools) and community learning centers in BARMM which is higher by 219,591 compared to the previous school year’s enrollment of 1,038,662.
Of the total, 1,119,391 students are enrolled in primary level, 63,565 in secondary, 55,172 in Madaris or Islamic education, and 20,195 in higher education, in 4,635 schools, including community learning centers across BARMM.
Iqbal emphasized MBHTE's commitment to providing quality education and ensuring that “no Bangsamoro child is left behind” in terms of education.
“Our mission is clear—we will continue enrolling children until every classroom is filled with eager learners,” Iqbal said, hoping that every child will also enjoy their learning process.
The Government of the Day has implemented the “Abot-Kaalaman sa Pamilyang (Akap)-Bangsamoro” program for learning centers, madrassas, and training centers, which brings classes to remote areas where there are no schools nearby.
“Government of the Day” refers to the Cabinet headed by the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, and composed of other ministers appointed by him, majority of whom shall also be Members of the Parliament, that exercises executive authority in the BARMM government.
Iqbal said the MBHTE also actively engages the teacher, parents, and other stakeholders through awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and other innovative strategies, aiming to haul children to schools.
He said they are also implementing the Matatag Curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) amid challenges of equipping teachers and schools with needed educational technologies, especially in remote and underserved areas. (SunStar Zamboanga)