COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong on Tuesday evening signed into law a bill that will establish the region’s educational system.
This was after the members of the parliament (MPs) approved on the same night the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code (BTA Bill No. 70) or the act “providing for the establishment, maintenance, and support of a complete and integrated system of quality education in the Bangsamoro.”
Education Minister MP Mohagher Iqbal and BTA Deputy Minority Floor Leader MP Atty. Rasol Mitmug, chair and vice-chairperson of BTA’s committee on education, defended the bill during the periods of interpellation and amendments.
Iqbal, who filed the bill in October last year, said the legislation is “an embodiment of our aspiration for the Bangsamoro children to have a bright future which is an upshot of a quality education.”
He said it was not the goal to develop a “perfect” Bangsamoro education code, but rather, one that includes significant provisions that will enhance the region’s education system, and will protect the well-being and rights of the teachers and non-teaching staff, parents, and learners.
The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) shall be primarily responsible for the formulation, planning, implementation, and coordination of the policies, plans, programs, and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal education at all levels, and supervise all educational institutions.
Special eligibility for Madrasah teachers
Under the BEC, the MBHTE, in coordination with the Civil Service Commission for BARMM, shall develop and administer special qualifying exams for permanent appointment of Madrasah teachers or those who teach Islamic studies and Arabic literacy in schools. This is to provide them with the security of tenure. [Related Story: BARMM to grant special eligibility for Madaris teachers in new education code ]
Tribal University System for IPs
Section 145 of the BEC provides that, in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the MBHTE shall initiate the creation of a tribal university system to address the higher educational needs of indigenous peoples (IP).
The tribal university system will provide a school system where the IPs’ language, culture, and traditional knowledge of their elders are incorporated in the curricular and extracurricular activities of the students.
Under this system, a tribal university will be created which shall be founded upon Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP). The university shall endeavor to inspire young IPs to serve and become leaders in their ancestral domains and indigenous communities.
Peace Education in the Bangsamoro
Peace education shall be a core component of Bangsamoro education system and shall be integrated into the curriculum of all educational levels.
The MBHTE shall adopt a peace education curriculum designed to instill the culture of non-violence, social justice and respect for human rights, freedom, and inclusivity.
“Education is vital not only because it is a priority of the Bangsamoro Government’s development plans, but it is the bedrock on which we build on the hope and future of the next generations,” said Minister Iqbal.
“Through quality, inclusive, and balanced education, we hope our learners will thrive in their selected professional endeavors and effectively contribute to the well-being of their families, communities, and the Bangsamoro region,” he added.
In addition to the Bangsamoro Administrative Code and Civil Service Code, the BEC is the third priority legislation the BTA has passed during the transition period.
Priority code on local government was already referred to its parliament committee, while the electoral and revenue codes are being finalized by the cabinet. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
*Originally published by the Bangsamoro Information Office (https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/barmm-education-code-signed-into-law/)
