Cotabato City — The Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and UNICEF Philippines signed here on 20 February 2020 a Memorandum of Agreement, strengthening efforts to uphold children’s rights to education in the region.
The agreement 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,” said MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal.
Citing the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Iqbal added 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,” said Iqbal.
Part of the agreement is to develop the capacity of MBHTE in delivering quality basic education.
It 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.
UNICEF works to promote and protect the rights of every Filipino child, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
It partners with the Philippine Government to improve national policies, programs, and services for children and adolescents and to help address common barriers to the realization of their rights. PR
