By Armando Fenequito
DAVAO CITY - The Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and UNICEF Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement, strengthening efforts to uphold children’s rights to education in the region.
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said, in a statement on Monday, the agreement signed here on February 20, includes action areas that will provide education services especially in Bangsamoro’s hard-to-reach communities.
“I am grateful for the support of UNICEF Philippines in this endeavor, which will focus on expanding our services in the areas of early learning, basic education, alternative learning, and emergency preparedness and response,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Government shall prioritize the welfare and rights of every child across the Bangsamoro – regardless of their socio-economic status, religion, and tribal affiliation.
“Our goal here is to provide all children in the Bangsamoro access to contextualized and holistic education,” he said.
He said part of the agreement is to develop the capacity of MBHTE in delivering quality basic education. Iqbal said this will also pave the way for the development of Bangsamoro Educational Reform and Development Plan, a sectoral medium and long-term plan for the region, which will be developed with technical support and expertize of UNICEF Philippines.
The MBHTE also eyes for areas of cooperation with the Global Partnership for Education in a bid to strengthen the region’s education sector plan.
“We are slowly harvesting the benefits of peace in the Bangsamoro,” said Iqbal, adding he looks forward to that day when there is no Bangsamoro child left behind in terms of education.