COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament continued today, November 25, 2020 the public consultation on BTA Cabinet Bill No. 70 or the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code, this time with the participation of the academe sector in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Member of Parliament Eddie Alih, sub-panel head of Bangsamoro Education Code for Tawi-Tawi led the public consultation held at R and R Garden Inn in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Technical Working Group (TWG) Chair MP Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. served as moderator via Zoom teleconference at the BTA Extension Office.

Participants from the academe included Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography Chancellor Prof. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto Sali and Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Benecito L. Maratas, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College President Prof. Mutti A. Asaali and Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Jun Ahamad, Maharlika Institute of Technology President Engr. Sambas I. Hassan, Tawi-Tawi School of Midwifery, Inc. President Marietta T. Limbaga, Abubakar Computer Learning Center College Coordinator Prof. Aida Alam, Notre Dame of Bongao High School Principal Sr. Imelda Mission, Bongao Advent Elementary School Principal Emie Joie H. Macanim, Bongao Advent Elementary School Principal Judelyn Y. Doting, Tawi-Tawi School of Arts and Trade Principal III Mohammad Nur A. Tidal, Tawi-Tawi School of Fisheries Principal Jul-aspi A. Hamid along with representatives from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Tawi-Tawi.

In his message, Alih said before his fellow Tawi-Tawians that the public consultation is an epitome of how the people in the community is in essence the Parliament.

“The Bangsamoro Education Code that will eventually come into being is as what you will it to be. That’s why we’re here today doing what the other provinces of BARMM are doing simultaneously. We’re here to ask you how you want your Education Code to be. You need to decide what kind of education your children will wake up to tomorrow,” Alih stressed.

In a previous statement, Panel Chair and MBHTE Minister MP Mohagher Iqbal emphasized that the region’s education system shall soon improve and strengthen if the Parliament approves the Bangsamoro Education Code.

“This document signifies collective vision for an inclusive, balanced, relevant, and effective educational system in the BARMM. Our goal is to develop a strong partnership between the BARMM government and various stakeholders across the region. That is why we are conducting this public consultation, so members of the education community can share their insights to enhance the draft and ensure its passage in the Parliament,” Iqbal said.

On October 28, Iqbal filed the BEC in the plenary during a special session.

Meanwhile, policy and position papers are expected to be submitted on or before December 04, 2020. (Gilmhar A. Lao, Publication and Media Relations Division, BTA Parliament)

*Originally published by the BTA-Publication and Media Relations Division (https://parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph/latest-news/bta-consults-academe-in-tawi-tawi-on-proposed-bangsamoro-education-code/)

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament started today, November 23, 2020 the first of the series of ‘public consultations’ on BTA Cabinet Bill No. 70 or the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code with the presence of academe sector and other stakeholders throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The simultaneous public consultations strategically took place in various locations: Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant in Cotabato City for Maguindanao; SP Hall in Isabela City, Basilan; Jolo Town Hall Complex in Jolo, Sulu; R and R Garden Inn in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and at the BTA Extension Office in De Mazenod Avenue, Cotabato City.

Member of Parliament (MP) and Technical Working Group (TWG) Chair Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. led the public consultations in behalf of Panel Chair and Minister of the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), MP Mohagher Iqbal. MP Mitmug served as main moderator during the activity.

In his message, Iqbal emphasized the MBHTE is aware of the challenges and they recognize that ‘our education standards are not at par with the national standards’.

“We lack essential school facilities, especially in remote areas, and our teacher and personnel development as well as management systems need improvement. Undoubtedly, the BARMM government needs to solve these issues when the education sector is seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we will soon improve and strengthen the region’s education system if the Parliament approves the Bangsamoro Education Code,” Iqbal said.

Accordingly, the Bangsamoro Education Code is one of the six (6) critical legislations mentioned in the Bangsamoro Organic Law or Republic Act 11054.

“This document signifies collective vision for an inclusive, balanced, relevant, and effective educational system in the BARMM. The code essentially defines the authority and responsibilities of the BARMM, the education stakeholders or community, the general public, and all interested parties to develop accessible and quality education in the Bangsamoro. This code will shape relationships for effective collaboration among all education stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region,” Iqbal added.

Furthermore, Iqbal highlighted seven (7) principles that will guide the BARMM Government, particularly the MBHTE, in governing the Bangsamoro education system.

“You can find these principles in Chapter 3, Section 6 of the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code,” he emphasized.

First, the Bangsamoro Education Code will ensure inclusivity wherein all learners, regardless of beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, genders, needs, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds will have equal access to quality education. Second, the BARMM government will ensure that the system is equitable, or it will guarantee access to educational services and opportunities for all. Third, it is part of the government’s obligation to protect the right to receive quality education, and it will treat the said right as an act of justice. Fourth, through the Education Code, the Bangsamoro education system is rooted in the diverse contexts of learners, educational institutions, and communities, including the historical narrative and aspirations of the Bangsamoro People, the Indigenous People, and Christian communities. Fifth, it will ensure that the Bangsamoro education is balanced or anchored on a holistic approach to give importance to a learner’s intellectual, spiritual, psychological, and physical growth. Sixth, the government will establish an integrated education system so learners can seamlessly enter one type of learning stream and graduate from another. And finally, the government will reinforce Moral Governance, or the application of ethical values, in managing the education system.

“Using these principles as a guide, the MBHTE will strengthen the education system and pursue the timely delivery of education and learning services in the region,” Iqbal further added.

The Education Minister stressed that improving ‘education system’ is not the government’s sole responsibility, but the ‘whole education community play a role in this area’.

“Our goal is to develop a strong partnership between the BARMM government and various stakeholders across the region. That is why we are conducting this public consultation, so members of the education community can share their insights to enhance the draft and ensure its passage in the Parliament. I am confident that we can work together and cooperate towards providing quality, inclusive, and relevant education to our children so that no Bangsamoro child will be left behind,” Iqbal emphasized.

Meanwhile, position papers are expected to be submitted on November 26, 2020. (GALao, Publication and Media Relations Division, BTA Parliament)

*Originally published by the BTA-Publication and Media Relations Division (https://parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph/latest-news/bta-parliament-starts-public-consultations-on-bangsamoro-education-code/)

COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) started Monday, Nov. 23, the first of its series of public consultations for BTA Bill No. 70 or the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code, with resource persons from the members of the academe, such as school superintendents, principals, administrators of madrasah and madaris, and other stakeholders.

“The Education Ministry needs to understand the needs, ideals, and aspiration of the ‘education community’, that’s why we are conducting this consultation,” said Minister of Education Mohagher Iqbal in his speech read by Member of the Parliament (MP) Atty. Rasol Mitmug.

MPs Iqbal and Mitmug are the chair and vice-chair, respectively, of the BTA’s panel on BEC.

“So the members of the education community can share their insights to enhance the draft (of BEC) and ensure its passage in the Parliament,” Iqbal added.

According to the Chapter III Section 2 of the BEC, education community refers to “those persons or groups of persons as such or associated in institutions involved in organized teaching and learning systems.”

Members and elements of the education community include parents, learners, school/education institution personnel, teaching or academic staff, school administrators, academic non-teaching personnel, non-academic personnel, and schools.

Monday’s consultation was conducted simultaneously at the BTA Extension Office and Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant in the city; Jolo Town Hall Complex in Jolo, Sulu; R and R Garden in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; and in SP Hall in Isabela City, Basilan. Meanwhile, consultation for Lanao del Sur will be held on November 27.

Gathered comments, suggestions, and recommendations from the resource persons, including submitted position papers, will be consolidated by the panel and submitted to the BTA’s Committee on Rules for review and deliberation .

According to Iqbal, the BEC signifies the Bangsamoro’s collective vision for inclusive, balanced, relevant, and effective educational system for the BARMM.

“To summarize, the Bangsamoro Government envisions an education system that focuses on developing learners or students, where competent teachers uses a relevant and adaptive curriculum, schools are well managed and become safe and creative spaces for learning; all school heads, administrators, and employees are transparent and accountable in carrying out their functions,” Iqbal said.

As cited in Chapter III Section 6 of the BEC, Iqbal said there are seven (7) principles that will guide the Bangsamoro Government, particularly the Education Ministry, in governing the Bangsamoro education system. These are:

• Inclusivity – Everyone shall have equal access to quality education regardless of beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, genders, needs, and abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds;
• Equity – Those who have less in life shall have more in educational services and opportunities;
• Rights-based – In the Bangsamoro, the right to receive a quality education and the concomitant obligation of the government to ensure the realization of such a right is an act of justice;
• Rooted in context – Bangsamoro Education shall take into consideration the diverse contexts of learners, educational institutions, and communities, including the historical narrative and aspirations of the Bangsamoro People, the Indigenous People, and Christians communities;
• Integrated – A Bangsamoro Education System that is integrated vertically and horizontally on all streams, levels, delivery modes, and types of education and allows for multiple entries and multiple exits within the system for all learners;
• Balanced – A holistic education approach where a learner’s intellectual, spiritual, psychological, and physical growth is given importance; and
• Moral Governance – Governance upholds ethical and legal principles, practices, and behavior in managing the education system.

Iqbal said the Bangsamoro Education Code “reflects the Bangsamoro people’s distinct historical identity, their long struggle to chart their political and economic destiny, and their ambition to build a future where all residents of the BARMM – Muslims, Indigenous People, and the Christians – can live together in justice and peace.”

Iqbal filed the BEC in the plenary during a special session held October 28. (Bureau of Public Information)

*Originally published by the Bangsamoro Information Office (https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/bta-consults-academe-sector-for-proposed-bangsamoro-education-code/)

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament concluded today, November 11, 2020 a three-day series of panel consultation on Cabinet Bill No. 59, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code (BCSC) held at the BTA Extension Office, De Mazenod Avenue, this city.

Deputy Majority Floor Leader and Panel Chair Atty. Raissa Jajurie said the BCSC is one of the priority legislations that the Parliament is expected to enact within the transition period.

“The Bangsamoro Civil Service Code was filed on July 21 this year. The next day, we had our first hearing for the bill. On July 23, it was referred to the Committee on Rules after the sponsorship speech of the Majority Floor Leader,” Jajurie said.

Jajurie emphasized that the panel is tasked to gather comments, position papers and issues that will come from the resource persons. After gathering, they will present it to the Committee on Rules for deliberation.

The first day of consultation took place on Monday, November 09 via Zoom teleconference with invited experts, Dir. Dominador Gonzales and Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Estrella from the Civil Service Commission (CSC)- BARMM, Atty. Kruni Escudero from CSC Central Office; Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 12 Regional Director Akmad Usman, Undersecretary Herman Jumilla and John Aries Macaspac from DBM Central Office, and Atty. Nasiff Meditar of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cotabato City Chapter.

On second day, November 10, the panel invited provincial governors, members of the leagues of mayors, vice-mayors, barangays, and councilors in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as resource persons.

The consultation was presided over by panel member MP Omar Yasser Sema, who represented Panel Chair Jajurie. MP Aida Silongan and BARMM Attorney General Sha Elijah Alba, chair and vice-chair of the cabinet committee for the BCSC, were also present during the activity.

On the third and last day of the consultation, November 11, the panel invited Human Resource Management Officers (HRMOs) from the different ministries, offices and agencies in the BARMM via Zoom teleconference.

Jajurie is joined in the panel by MP Engr. Aida Silongan as vice-chair together with panel members, MP Atty. Laisa M. Alamia, MP Eddie M. Alih, MP Atty. Suharto M. Ambolodto, MP Engr. Baintan M. Ampatuan, MP Dr. Susana S. Anayatin, MP Ziaur-rahman A. Adiong, MP Atty. Anna Tarhata S. Basman, MP Musa K. Diamla, MP Atty. Maisara D. Latiph, MP Atty. Jose I. Lorena, MP Jamel D. Macaraya, MP Khadafeh F. Mangudadatu, MP Amilbahar S. Mawallil, MP Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr., MP Atty. Ubaida C. Pacasem, MP Diamila D. Ramos, MP Romeo C. Saliga, MP Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema, MP Romeo K. Sema, MP Atty. Paisalin P. Tago, MP Adzfar H. Usman and MP Atty. Nabil A. Tan.

Accordingly, the code is a result of dialogues with experts, and consultations and public hearings with various stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region’s five provinces, including some areas in North Cotabato.

“The Bangsamoro Civil Service Code hopes to provide an effective instrument for good governance and responsive policies on human resource administration of the Bangsamoro Government while addressing the legitimate needs and peculiarities of our people,” Silongan said.

Meanwhile, the participants are required to submit their position papers on Friday, November 13, 2020. (GALao, Publication and Media Relations Division, BTA Parliament)

*Originally published by the BTA-Publication and Media Relations Division (https://parliament.bangsamoro.gov.ph/latest-news/bta-parliament-holds-panel-consultation-for-bangsamoro-civil-service-code/)