The Bangsamoro Parliament approved on Tuesday the Education Code of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, establishing a “complete and integrated quality education system for the future of the region’s children and youth.”
Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said the Education Code embodies the collective aspiration that “No Bangsamoro child shall be left behind.”
Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal said provisions of the BARMM Education Code translate into a legislated policy “the hopes and ideals of the Bangsamoro people for an inclusive, culture-based, effective, and sustainable education framework.”
“We wanted a version that includes significant provisions that will enhance the Bangsamoro education system, protect the well-being and rights of our teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, and learners,” Iqbal said.
“As we continue our journey for peace and development, I don’t think there can be any landmark accomplishment that is worth celebrating other than being able to establish the Bangsamoro Education Code,” BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong said.
The BARMM Education Code opens windows of opportunity through partnership programs on professional development and capability building for teachers, said BTA Member Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan.
Iqbal said the Education Code provides for management and support to the development of a complete and integrated quality education system for BARMM.
The region’s Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education also regulates Arabic schools known as madaris with the establishment of a Bureau of Madaris, which designs and implements distinct policies to professionalize and set the benchmark of qualifications for asatidz (teachers) as well as requirements for private madrasah schools management.
The measure, signed into law Wednesday by Ebrahim, was passed via BTA nominal voting in which 61 members of the Parliament voted in favor.
